A Soap Legend at the Centre of Exit Rumours

Coronation Street fans are bracing themselves for a potential heartbreak. Rita Tanner (Barbara Knox), one of Weatherfield’s longest-serving icons, could soon be leaving the cobbles after more than six decades.

Rita first appeared in 1964 and has been central to countless major storylines, from her brain tumour diagnosis to surviving the devastating tram crash. Beyond her dramatic arcs, she’s also known for her colourful love life — with three husbands and a record-breaking 15 marriage proposals from 12 different men.

Emotional Goodbye With Jenny

This week, Rita bid a tearful farewell to her adopted daughter Jenny Bradley (Sally Ann Matthews), who departed Weatherfield for a fresh start in Spain. Their emotional goodbye left fans worried that Rita’s time on the street may also be coming to an end.

One viewer wrote on social media: “Bless Rita! Made me tear up, hope she’s going to be alright.” Another speculated: “I think she’ll be next to leave. Not much left for her there anymore.”

Fan Theories: Illness or a Crossover Exit?

Some fans believe Rita may face another health crisis, with predictions of a tragic illness storyline. Others have linked her possible exit to the highly anticipated Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossover episode, Corriedale, set for early 2026.

Soap boss Iain MacLeod has already teased that a much-loved character will be killed off during the event. “The soap gods demand a sacrifice when you have an event of this kind,” he revealed. “Sometimes the biggest and best exits are for the characters you care the most about. It’s going to be shocking. There will be lots of trauma, drama and twists.”

Could Rita Be the Sacrifice?

At 91, Barbara Knox remains a fan favourite and a vital part of Corrie history. But with the show’s 65th anniversary looming this December, and the crossover promising “shocking” deaths, the rumours of Rita’s exit are growing louder.

For now, nothing is confirmed — but if Rita Tanner were to leave the cobbles, it would mark the end of an era and one of the most emotional farewells in soap history.