Rita (played by Barbara Knox) is taking centre stage in a harrowing Christmas storyline on Coronation Street as the ITV soap tackles the issue of loneliness over the festive season, in particular, how it affects the elderly. The Kabin newsagent has been in many a perilous situations during her five decade stint on the cobbles, but this year could see the pensioner finally meet her maker. After last night’s double-bill, fans soon flocked to social media to theorise she may not die as a result of a terrifying fall, but becoming victim to an unexpected villain.
Prior to the veteran finding herself underneath her Christmas tree, it was revealed the only company she had was her friend’s cat, Arthur, who she was looking after it his owner’s absence.
After Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin) dropped by the festive decoration, the pensioner got to work placing all manner of seasonal ornaments on the spectacle.
As the feline watched on, Rita noticed her main attraction was off kilter and as she tired to fix it, a terrifying fall led to the tree falling on top of her.
Trapped and alone, the newsagent will be left fighting for her life, but could it be her adoptive pet is going to kill her off?
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With her friends believing she has gone away for Christmas, they may be left in utter shock if they discover someone, or something, has eaten Rita.
Taking to Twitter, viewers quickly theorised the real villain of the festive season could be Arthur as he seemed motionless when his adoptive owner cried for help.
One posted: “Rita’s gonna die and her cat is gonna eat her face #festive #corrie #coronationstreet.”
Another added: “Rita better get some help soon otherwise the cat might eat her #Corrie,” whilst a third pleased: “I hope the cat doesn’t eat Rita #Corrie.”
This won’t be the end of the storyline as the soap boss explained: “That will play out over the first couple of months of next year, culminating around February time.
Praising the actress, Iain added: “It’s a really good story and Barbara, which is always the case when you give her something big to do, she nails it.
“She’s so good in it and very subtle and poignant and funny in places.”
However, whilst Rita lies trapped under her Christmas tree, another terrifying ordeal is set to unfold on the cobbles.
Last night’s episode saw super villain Gary Windass (Mikey North) take Derek Milligan (Craige Els) hostage after the troubled character let slip the loan shark was the new owner of the Underworld Factory.
The criminal’s associate will escape his captor however and get hold of an antique rifle before going on the rampage.
Scene airing on Christmas Day will see their feud reach a deadly climax as at least one character will be killed in the festive episode.
With no word yet on who the unlucky victim will be, could fans be bidding farewell to a much loved Weatherfield resident?
Coronation Street continues tonight at 8.30pm on ITV.