Corrie star Barbara Knox arrested for drink-driving

Coronation Street actress Barbara Knox has been arrested for drink driving.

The 80-year-old veteran soap-star, who plays Rita Tanner, was said to have been arrested after an incident involving her daughter Maxine Ashcroft and police.  

According to The Sun, the altercation began when police pulled over and breathalysed Mrs Ashcroft, 56, as she drove her mother home following an afternoon in Cheshire. The woman was three times over the legal limit.

Mrs Ashcroft was arrested for being over the legal limit and Barbara Knox allegedly drove to Knutsford Police Station to demand her release. Reportedly, Knox was then arrested. 

The actress, who has starred in the soap for more than 40 years, is believed to have been bailed until next month pending further inquiries. 

Mrs Knox, said to be the highest paid Coronation Street cast member with a £260,000 a year contract, was awarded an OBE in 2010.

A spokesperson for Cheshire police said: “Police stopped a car in Hollow Lane in Knutsford. A 56-year-old woman from Gloucestershire was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

“An 80-year-old woman from Knutsford later arrived at Knutsford Police Station and was also arrested on suspicion of drink driving. She was bailed pending further enquiries.”