Coronation Street Barbara Knox’s eye-watering salary ‘unveiled’ after 62 years as Rita
Barbara Knox has been playing Rita Tanner on Coronation Street for over 60 years, and is reportedly one of the soap's top earners with an eye-watering salary
Coronation Street Barbara Knox’s eye-watering salary ‘unveiled’ after 64 years as Rita(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Coronation Street’s Barbara Knox is a true soap icon – and she reportedly commands a staggering salary. The 92 year old actress first graced our screens as Rita Tanner back in 1964, before becoming a regular fixture in 1972. Since then, Rita has become one of the soap’s most cherished characters.
It’s safe to say that The Kabin owner Rita has been at the centre of numerous major storylines over the years. From receiving a brain tumour diagnosis to being caught up in the monumental tram crash, Rita’s tenure in Weatherfield has been anything but dull.
Her romantic escapades have also frequently sparked chatter amongst fans. She has walked down the aisle with three different men during her time on the show – Len Fairclough (Peter Adamson), Ted Sullivan (William Russell) and Dennis Tanner (Phillip Lowrie).
Barbara has played Rita for several decades
Moreover, Rita holds the record for the most marriage proposals received by any character, an impressive 15 from 12 different suitors. Recently, both fans and Rita were left teary-eyed when her adopted daughter Jenny Bradley (Sally Ann Matthews) bid farewell to Weatherfield 40 years after her first appearance, reports the Daily Star.
So, with more than six decades of television experience under her belt, it’s hardly surprising that Barbara reportedly rakes in a hefty sum for her work on the soap.
As the second-longest serving cast member, only surpassed by William Roache – who portrays Ken Barlow – Barbara reportedly rakes in £200,000, as reported in a previous soap salary round up by the Mirror
She reportedly earns a huge amount(Image: ITV/Coronation Street)
Not only was she honoured with an MBE for her contributions to drama in 2010, but in 2023 ITV aired a special documentary celebrating Barbara and her extraordinary stint on the cobbles.
As for her co-star William Roache, he is thought to earn £250,000 for his role as Ken Barlow, making him the highest earner amongst the Coronation Street cast. William has also supplemented his income through the celebrity video platform Cameo, where fans can buy personalised messages for over £50.
Barbara and William are the top-earners(Image: Getty Images)
Bill has also authored several books detailing his extensive career, including 50 Years on the Street: My Life with Ken Barlow in 2011 and Life and Soul: How to Live a Long and Healthy Life in 2018.
Other notable Coronation Street earners include Michael Le Vell, who earns £170,000 annually for his role as Kevin Webster, and Simon Gregson, who bags £150,000 for his portrayal of Steve McDonald.
