Yahoo News Corrie's Barbara Knox reacts to Rita's diagnosis
Coronation Street legend Barbara Knox has spoken out about Rita Tanner's brain tumour diagnosis for the first time.
Soap fans watched heartbreaking scenes on Monday night (September 18) as Rita was told the real reason for her memory problems and recent collapse.
It's now been confirmed that Coronation Street bosses have been working closely with national charity Brain Tumour Research while planning the emotional storyline.
Over the coming weeks, we'll see Rita face some tough decisions about her treatment – leaving us to wonder whether it could be the end for the Weatherfield icon.
Speaking about the storyline, Knox revealed: "When our producer Kate Oates talked to me about the brain tumour storyline for Rita, I was truly honoured to be tasked with taking on such an important story. I was immediately determined to ensure that we got every aspect of the portrayal of such a devastating illness correct.
"The work the team did with Brain Tumour Research has been invaluable. As an actress playing the role, I am mindful that there are people going through this in real life and it is vital that we do their stories justice."
She continued: "There is a long way to go yet in this storyline for Rita; as we follow her journey from the devastating diagnosis and how she comes to terms with the uncertainty of what the future holds for her. She has some big decisions to make in the coming weeks.
"Until I started working on this storyline, I had no idea that a brain tumour could cause someone to act in the way Rita has been. It can't just be me who has been surprised by how it affected Rita, so clearly not enough is known about brain tumours and their symptoms. It is a frightening disease and my thoughts are with everyone affected by a brain tumour."
Brain Tumour Research has been consulting on Coronation Street's storyline since the spring, helping to ensure that the scenes are as accurate as possible.
Sue Farrington Smith MBE, Chief Executive of Brain Tumour Research, added: "Some 16,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in the UK each year, so we were pleased that Coronation Street approached us to advise on this storyline. This disease is indiscriminate; brain tumours can affect anyone, at any age, while symptoms can vary significantly.
"Our own research – through research agency Populus earlier this year – recognised that patients, friends and family members are often shocked at the personality changes brought about by this form of cancer. Patients can experience confusion, like Rita, mood swings and depression amongst other things. Unfortunately, there are cases where these symptoms are extreme.
"So little is understood about brain tumours and just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Brain Tumour Research is focused on funding sustainable research to find a cure for brain tumours, to offer hope for patients like Rita."
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.
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