Rita forced to quit live episode reherasals after falling ill

It was recently announced Simon Gregson - who plays pub landlord Steve McDonald - had to be ruled out as he's decided to take a three month break for personal reasons.

'Coronation Street' actress Barbara Knox had to pull out of rehearsals for tomorrow's live episode after falling ill.

The 81-year-old actress - who plays Rita Sullivan in the ITV soap - is said to have bailed on a last-minute run through with Sean Ward (Callum Logan) and Tina O'Brien (Sarah-Louise Platt) after being struck by a mystery illness after she arrived on set at the weekend.