ITV Coronation Street’s Rita Tanner announces sad change as fans ‘confirm’ new Rovers Return owner
Coronation Street viewers are convinced that they have worked out the new owner of the Rovers Return after Rita Tanner made a big announcement on the soap
Coronation Street enthusiasts are concerned for Rita Tanner after the soap icon hinted at scaling back her work at The Kabin.
In Friday’s episode, Rita shocked viewers by suggesting she might reduce her hours as a kindness to Jenny Connor, in desperate need of a new role.
Jenny’s future as the current overseer of Rovers Return looks uncertain, as Carla Connor, the pub’s proprietor, is poised to hand over the reins to fresh management.
The latest instalment had Jenny affirming that the pub’s paperwork was complete, with Carla now officially at the helm.
Subsequently, Jenny mustered the courage to inquire if there were any job opportunities at the newsagents, directly approaching Brian Packham, who owns The Kabin, reports Leicestershire Live.
Despite Brian emphasising that his team was full, with Rita still an employee, the Weatherfield legend seems ready to shuffle the deck.
“I wouldn’t be hasty, love,” Rita chimed in. “I’m a woman of a certain age, and I’m hoping to wind down a little. And I’m sure there may be some vacancies.”Brian initially jests about losing “a vital cog in the machine”, yet Rita counters: “Well, this old cog is going to wear out if I don’t ease up. So think on!”.
Convinced at last, Brian honours Rita’s decision and extends a warm welcome to Jenny into The Kabin fold.
Although Rita has no intention of hanging up her hat just yet, the winds of change are certainly blowing through the cobbles.
Soap veteran Rita, who has been a fixture at The Kabin since 1973, is experiencing a major change in her storyline. Although she once owned the newsagent’s shop, Rita sold her share to Norris Cole in 2009, but she remained an integral part of the team.
After a recent episode, viewers flocked to social media to express their opinions and speculate on what’s in store for Jenny and Rita.
Fans are speculating if this shift hints at Rita’s departure from the show or perhaps a new venture as the owner of the Rovers.
One viewer commented: “Jenny in the Kabin! It makes sense! To me, the Rovers need a new big family at the helm. Do a Danny Dyer and cast a big name and build a family around them. Also more Jenny/Rita scenes. #corrie.”
Another fan expressed their enjoyment of a scene between Rita and Jenny, calling Rita an eternal “Adored that Rita and Jenny scene. And Rita will always be a glamour puss. Icon.”
A different fan pondered: “If Rita and Ken could just get it on it would make perfect exit unless they planning on staying in the soap until the end.”
In disbelief, one person remarked: “Rita is semi-retiring from the Kabin at 93 years old,” while another echoed the sentiment that The Kabin won’t be the same without her presence: “The Kabin without Rita doesn’t sound right! #Corrie.”
Adding to the speculation, a viewer suggested: “I think either Glenda or Rita should buy the Rovers #corrie.”
Questions about Rita’s future continued with one asking, “Why can’t Rita buy the pub then? #Corrie,” and another urging, “You buy it, Rita #Corrie.”
