After more than 60 years in the TV industry, it comes as no shock that Barbara Knox reportedly commands a significant wage for her work on Coronation Street.
Coronation Street favourite Barbara Knox is a true soap legend — and she’s said to earn an eye-watering salary. The 92-year-old actress first appeared as Rita Tanner in 1964 before becoming a full-time cast member in 1972. Over the decades, Rita has grown into one of the show’s most cherished characters.
As the owner of The Kabin, Rita has been at the heart of countless major storylines. From battling a brain tumour to surviving the devastating tram crash, her life in Weatherfield has been filled with unforgettable drama.
Her romantic life has also frequently made headlines among fans. During her time on the cobbles, Rita has had three husbands — Len Fairclough (Peter Adamson), Ted Sullivan (William Russell), and Dennis Tanner (Phillip Lowrie).
What’s more, Rita Tanner also holds the record for receiving more marriage proposals than any other character — an incredible 15 in total from 12 different men. And in recent scenes on Coronation Street, both viewers and Rita were left emotional when her adopted daughter Jenny Bradley (Sally Ann Matthews) departed Weatherfield, four decades after first arriving on the cobbles.
With more than 60 years in television to her name, it therefore comes as no surprise that Barbara Knox is reportedly paid a substantial sum for her long-running role on the soap.
As the second longest-serving cast member after William Roache — who plays Ken Barlow — Barbara Knox is reportedly paid £200,000, according to a recent soap salary round-up by the Mirror. She was awarded an MBE for her services to drama in 2010, and in 2023, ITV broadcast a special documentary honouring her extraordinary years on Coronation Street.
Meanwhile, William Roache is said to earn £250,000 for his role as Ken Barlow, making him the highest-paid star on the Coronation Street cast. In addition to his soap salary, he has reportedly boosted his earnings through the celebrity video platform Cameo, where fans were able to buy personalised video messages for more than £50.
William Roache has also written several books reflecting on his long and successful 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 well-paid Coronation Street stars include Michael Le Vell, who reportedly earns £170,000 a year for playing Kevin Webster, and Simon Gregson, who is said to take home £150,000 annually for his role as Steve McDonald.
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