All news on the topic: Thelma Barlow

After landing the part of Rita in 1964, the soap legend admits she thought would be 'forever' - but producers quickly axed the character and Barbara did not return for eight years

Rita, played by Barbara Knox, and Mavis, played by Thelma Barlow, were on-screen best pals, and their cheeky double act on the cobbles was beloved by viewers for almost 30 years