Barbara Knox has paid tribute to 'Coronation Street' for giving her a "wonderful life".

Barbara Knox

Barbara Knox

The ITV soap celebrates its 60th birthday today (09.12.20), and the 87-year-old actress - who has played Rita Tanner permanently from 1972, following a brief appearance in 1964 - has asked the 'Corrie' viewers to continue to be "loyal" to the show, admitting the programme has "nothing" without its fans.

She said: "It's given me a wonderful life, I've met some wonderful people, and I've given you a taste of what happened to my little character.

"And if that isn't enough I'm still here - and that's very important to me.

"So join me in wishing the most wonderful street in the world, many happy returns.

"Please be loyal to us, as you have, because without you we have nothing really.

"I hope we've entertained you. I've loved it. I hope you have."

Barbara admitted she fell for the street the moment she stepped foot on the famous cobbles, and didn't want to leave.

Speaking in a video on the 'Corrie' Twitter account to celebrate the milestone, she added: "I fell in love with 'Coronation Street' and I never wanted to leave.

"I only came in for two episodes and I was just hoping somebody would think something about this character."

Barbara admitted producer Harry Kershaw and the 'Corrie' writers "found something" about Rita and later built her a house and a shop, The Kabin.

Several other stars have also paid tribute to the soap, including Antony Cotton (Sean Tully), admitting the programme has changed his life forever.

He tweeted: "Happy 60th Birthday Coronation Street - a television show, a family, a home. This show changed my life forever, and has given me friends from all over the world. Something that I thought would be for 3 months, turned into 17 years, and counting. Thank you Tony Warren x (sic)"

Elle Mulvaney (Amy Barlow) wrote: "Happy 60th Anniversary Corrie! The last ten years have been a blast, here’s to many more! (sic)"

Cherylee Houston - who portrays Izzy Armstrong - also thanked the soap for being "household influence" during her younger years.

She tweeted: "Happy Birthday to the wonderful @itvcorrie Thank you for being our household influence when  growing up (you couldn’t talk when Corrie was on), then being the job that gave me such wonderful creativity and friendships. (sic)"

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