Rita to become swinger

Many fans will know that Coronation Street's Rita Sullivan had a long career as a nightclub crooner, but the Street faithful will be shocked to learn

10:50 10 August 2004

Many fans will know that Coronation Street's Rita Sullivan had a long career as a nightclub crooner, but the Street faithful will be shocked to learn she can also swing.

In a new plotline the mistress of the Kabin will end up attending a swingers party.

Rita, played by Barbara Knox, along with sidekick Norris Cole attend a gathering held by Rita's old friend Rula Romanoff in all innocence.

But the corner shop boss realises things are not all they seem when she awakes to find Rula's husband in bed with her.

Rita responds by confronting Rula, played by former Bond girl Honor Blackman, 77, only to find her in the middle of seducing naughty Norris (Malcolm Hebden).

"Get dressed, Norris - we're leaving now!" Rita barks at her timid colleague.

Corrie insiders believe they have a winner on their hands.

"This episode will be belly laughs all the way," a Street insider told the Daily Mirror.

The soap source explains that things begin with a quite normal dinner party, but get naughty after the guests head off to bed.

"It's not long before the doors start opening and different people head off to different rooms," the insider explains.

"Norris peeps his head around his door to see what the noises are and plucks up courage to put his ear against Rula's door.

"She opens it and he falls in, flat on the floor. Rula thinks he's come for just one thing.

"She starts unfastening his pyjamas and tells him, 'I like a man who takes the initiative. Would you prefer to play the menial role or do you want to do it in the executive position?'"

Rula's husband Bernie makes a beeline for Rita's room, where he ditches his clothes and sneaks under the covers while she sleeps.

When Rita wakes she storms off to find out what her friend's husband is doing, but Rula thinks Rita is there to join in the fun with Norris.

"Come in Rita, two's company but three's perfection," she will say.