'Coronation Street' actress Barbara Knox had to pull out of rehearsals for tomorrow's (23.09.15) live episode after falling ill.
Barbara Knox with co-star Brooke Vincent
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.
Although producers had to go ahead with rehearsals without her, it's believed Barbara will be fit to appear in the highly anticipated live episode tomorrow (23.09.15).
However, this is not the first stumbling block 'Corrie' producers have hit in the run up to the special event - which is taking place to mark ITV's 30th anniversary.
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.
Meanwhile, claims the cast of the popular soap rejoiced at the news producer Stuart Blackburn is to be replaced by 'Emmerdale' boss Kate Oates next year have been rubbished.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Stuart received a huge round of applause from the cast and crew. Despite some of the rumours, he is hugely popular and will be missed."
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