By 3 News online staff
Coronation Street star Anne Kirkbride, who has played Deirdre Barlow for more than 40 years, has died.
The 60-year-old first appeared on the UK soap in 1972, but was given extended leave last year following a heavy filming schedule. She died in a Manchester Hospital following a short illness.
ITV confirmed her death in a statement this morning, saying Kirkbride's husband David Beckett and the cast and crew of Coronation Street are "heartbroken and deeply saddened at the loss of Anne".
"There are no words to describe the sense of grief we feel at Anne's passing," executive producer Kieran Roberts said.
"We know only too acutely how much Anne meant to the millions of people who watched her create the legendary character of Deirdre Barlow.
"She will be greatly missed by the Coronation Street team who share happy memories of working with her. We feel blessed and honoured to have known her. Our thoughts are with David and their family."
Director of television at ITV, Peter Fincham, called Kirkbride a "truly loyal servant to Coronation Street", who created a "unique and unforgettable character in Deirdre Barlow".
"She will be missed on and off-screen."
William Roache, who plays Kirkbride's husband Ken Barlow on Coronation Street, said the show has lost one of its iconic characters.
"I feel Anne's loss so personally having worked closely with her for over 40 years. She was such a loving and vibrant person. You always knew she was there because her laugh was never far away.
"She was an impeccable performer with superb comedy timing and an immense gift for really heightened drama. We had some rows over the years as Ken and Deirdre and it was wonderful to play those scenes opposite her. Coronation Street has lost one of its iconic characters and Anne will be greatly missed."
3 News
source: newshub archive
