Five reasons why Rita dying would make great drama

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog September 2017, reposted to this blog with permission.)


Guest blog post by Glenn Meads who is on Twitter and LinkedIn
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Poor Rita Tanner! She is one of the Street's most enduring characters. The things she has seen over the years, the comings and goings, the way she has cheated death by tram and her durability have made her one of Corrie's best loved characters. 

For me, the way Rita 'adopts' waifs and strays makes her so loveable and likeable, that I feel like I know her. 

But, all good things come to an end, and Rita's health has begun to deteriorate, leading to speculation that the character will join the likes of Deidre, Blanche and Jack and Vera in Corrie Heaven. This has led to a campaign to Save Rita. 

But, won't this storyline provide fans with great drama? 

Here's five reasons why Rita shutting shop might be good for viewers;

1) Barbara Knox may have chosen to leave. And who can blame her? The long hours.and the fact that the character has had some amazing story lines may mean Barbara wants to retire and get some well earned rest. 

2) Rita has been replaced any way. Poor Reet has been sidelined by the equally wonderful Mary. What used to be Rita and Norris is now Mary and Norris. So, at least Norris now has a significant other, if Rita did die?

3) The drama would be great for the actress and viewers. Often Rita is a conduit for other people's drama. This brilliant plot development means Barbara could leave on top, showing us all why she is such a great actress. 

4) The aftermath. Rita has taken in many strays in her time. Her death would leave them and us with a huge gap in their lives. Will they fight for her cash? Or will the loss of this 'mother' figure mean that they hit self destruct?

5) Births, Deaths and Marriages. Soaps need all three of these to keep going. The loss of such an iconic character will be a huge blow, but it will give many actors meaty drama, and bring them back from brink. And viewers? The unending success of Long Lost Family proves we all love a good cry. 

I love Rita Tanner and will miss her. But, I also think that Corrie needs this poignant storyline in order to move forward. What do you think?

By Glenn Meads who is on Twitter and LinkedIn

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