Long-running Coronation Street legend Barbara Knox has signed a new contract to stay on the Manchester-based soap as she turns 90 this month.

The actress, who has appeared on the ITV programme since 1964, is set to continue playing the part of Rita Tanner (now Rita Sulivan) well into 2024.

The star first joined the soap in 1964 for a one-off appearance before playing the part on a full-time basis from 1972.

This places Barbara Knox second behind Ken Barlow, 91, for the oldest star on the show.

'Executives delighted' as Barbara Knox agrees to stay on Coronation Street well into next year

An insider told The Sun: “Barbara is in Corrie’s DNA. She is a true pro and the executives were delighted that she put pen to paper to ensure she’s on screens into next year.

“Corrie is a lovely, steady place to work with a supportive team so it makes it easy to fit around family, having kids and as the cast have grown older.

“It was a no-brainer for Barbara to sign on the dotted line when the regular renewal of contracts came around this year.”

Appearing on 3885 of Coronation Street's 10,700 episodes, Barbara Knox is thought to earn around £200,000 from the ITV show as one of its most iconic names.

Despite her reputation, Barbara is said to still worry about whether or not show-runners will renew her contract year after year.

Co-star Sally Ann Matthew said of the legend: “I count myself very lucky that when I first joined the show, I had Barbara to work with – she's a real pro.

“Every year, she thinks she's not going to get another contract. I'm like, 'Seriously, Barbara?'

"If she ever forgets a line, which is very rare, she won't sleep that night – she's terrible. I tell her off all the time. Not many people can!”

Barbara Knox is set to turn 90 on September 30 in a huge milestone for the star.