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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

ITV Coronation Street legends Barbara Knox and Bill Roache mobbed as they attend soap's summer party

Coronation Street legends Barbara Knox and Bill Roache were the stars of the show as they made a rare appearance out on the town with their co-stars. The actors, who play Rita Tanner and Ken Barlow in the ITV soap, were out in Manchester for the show's summer party.

And they showed they are still favourites among viewers as they were mobbed for selfies by fans outside Spinningfields' celebrity haunt, The Ivy.

Bill, who turned 90 earlier this year and remains Corrie's longest-serving star, was seen getting out of his car in a white shirt which he wore tucked into a pair of soft-brushed blue trousers and paired with a matching blue blazer and black dress shoes.

READ MORE: ITV Coronation Street's Hope and real-life twin brother share emotional goodbye after co-star's exit

He made sure to pay the driver, with the soap veteran since with cash in his hands, before turning his attention to the awaiting fans, flashing a smile in their direction. He then greeted them as he made his way into the restaurant and was snapped amongst the crowd who had gathered as they grappled for selfies.

Barbara was also approached by a number of fans as she made her way to the celebrity haunt. The 88-year-old from Oldham, who has starred in Corrie for 40 years, was seen stopping for photos and signed autographs before being ushered into the restaurant.

She looked beautiful in a patterned, round neck dress which she wore over a pair of black trousers and teamed with a pair of black heeled shoes.

The 90-year-old made sure to pay for his ride (MCPIX)

Barbara was seen holding on to a black clutch bag and added a delicate pearl necklace and matching earrings to her overall look as her trademark red locks flicked away from her face.

They were joined by many of the show's cast and crew. Tina O'Brien, who plays Sarah Barlow in the ITV soap, posed up a storm outside The Ivy, showing off her sensational figure in a black bandeau top and feathered skirt.

Barbara stopped for photos and to sign autographs (MCPIX)

Corrie's newest star Jodie Prenger, who is yet to make her on-screen debut as George Shuttleworth's sister Glenda, was also in attendance and couldn't stop smiling as she made her way to the venue. Her new red locks bellowed in the wind as her plunging floral dress did all the talking.

Tina O'Brien posed up a storm (MCPIX)

Jack P Shepherd and Colson Smith, aka David Platt and PC Craig Tinker, got the white shirt memo as they made their way to a night of celebrations for the ITV soap's much-loved stars. The white theme continued with Tanisha Gorey (Asha Alahan) and Ellie Leach (Faye Windass who both donned white dresses for the occasion.

As did Charlotte Jordan, who plays Daisy Midgeley, whose look included a thigh-high split, burnt orange boots and a black leather jacket to shield her from the cooling northern weather.

Jack P Shepherd and Colson Smith got the white shirt memo (MCPIX)

Shona Platt actress Julia Goulding also brought the glamour, showing off her blossoming baby bump in a figure-hugging black dress.

She added a pop of colour with a tangerine-coloured clutch, matching heels, and hooped earrings. She smiled fro the cameras as she arrived arm-in-arm with co-star and off-screen pal Daniel Brocklebank, the ITV soap's Billy Mayhew, who looked suave in a black t-shirt and blazer which he wore with a pair of skinny grey checked trousers.

Co-stars and close off-screen pals Julia Goulding and Daniel Brocklebank (MCPIX)

Corrie's latest bash comes just a few months as they let their hair down at a belated Christmas/spring doo. The cast and crew of the Salford-based programme partied together at Manchester's Science and Industry Museum at the end of April. It was the first Coronation Street party since 2019.

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