Coronation Street viewers feared it was an end of an era as Rita Sullivan announced she had quit The Kabin in tonight's episode.
The legendary character has been played by Barbara Knox on the Cobbles since 1972. Rita has had a strong association with The Kabin corner shop throughout her 51 year stint in Weatherfield.
However, Rita has been frustrated since the arrival of Brian Packham's Italian cousin, Isabella. She was angry after Brian turned up to work late after he was up late playing card games with Isabella.
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Rita and Isabella had a fiery confrontation on Wednesday's episode as the new character said Brian needs a younger assistant. Isabella added insult to injury as she said Rita was too old to work any more.
The iconic character responded in fiery fashion as she announced she had quit The Kabin. Viewers following the show on Twitter were gobsmacked as it seemed Rita's time at the corner shop had come to an end.
Ryan said: "Rita has quit her job at the Kabin. End of an era"
Dave added: "Rita quitting the Kabin??"
Emily commented: "Nooo Rita can’t quit."
Oli tweeted: "we can't have a Kabin without Rita!"
Fortunately, Brian realised error of his ways and came grovelling back to convince Rita to stay. The character said: "You are part of the very fabric of that shop."
The error was thankfully corrected as Rita reversed the decision and agreed to stay at the Kabin on much better conditions. However, Isabella's actions in the Rovers Return as she complained about the size of her brandy suggests the dispute has not yet come to an end.
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