CORRIE'S Rita Sullivan had been a fan favourite on the ITV soap since 1964.
She was only in the soap for one episode, before she returned six years later in January 1972 as part of the main cast.
Who is Rita Sullivan on Coronation Street?
Rita first appeared on-screen during the episode that aired on December 2, 1964.
She is a former nightclub singer and owner of the Kabin.
Who were Rita Sullivan's partners?
Rita was married three times during her time in Weatherfield.
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She was in a relationship with a chap called Harry Bates before Len Fairclough caught her eye.
After a lot of ups and downs, the pair got married in 1977.
Len even bought the Kabin and made Rita manageress.
The pair wanted to adopt children but found out they were too old, so they became foster parents.
After Len’s death, Rita got into a relationship with Alan Bradley.
He cheated on Rita with barmaid Gloria Todd, arranged a wedding out of the blue – and even posed as Len to remortgage Rita’s house.
Rita ran away from him and Alan got hit by a tram and died – in one of the ITV soaps most iconic episodes.
She stayed single for a while until she met Ted Sullivan.
The pair planned a wedding but just before they tied the knot, Ted admitted he had a terminal brain tumour.
He died just a few months later.
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After Ted’s death, Rita had a marriage proposal from Alec Gilroy.
She said no at first but eventually changed her mind.
However, after the pair got engaged, they decided they couldn't trust each other and went their separate ways.
Rita later got a proposal from Norris Cole but turned him down.
Her next relationship was with Dennis Tanner who was an old flame.
The pair tied the knot – after some drama with loan shark Rick Neelan.
Their marriage seemed fine until Dennis became interested in Gloria Price and ended up leaving Weatherfield with her.
What happened to Rita in Coronation Street?
In more recent episodes, Rita was frustrated with the arrival of new Kabin owner Brian Packham's Italian cousin, Isabella.
She was angry after Brian turned up to work late after he had a late night playing card games with Isabella.
Rita and Isabella had a heated conversation as the newcomer said Brian needs a younger assistant.
Isabella then added salt to the wound as she said Rita was too old to work any more.
Rita responded in rage and announced she had quit The Kabin, but quickly rejoined.
Who plays Rita Sullivan in real life?
Rita was played by legendary actress Barbara Knox.
She was a stage and television actress before she landed the role of Rita.
Barbara has won a handful of awards for her performance on the ITV show, including a lifetime achievement award at the British Soap Awards in 2004.
