Corrie Star Anne Kirkbride Has Died
The 60 year old - who played Deirdre Barlow died after a short illness.
Coronation Street actress Anne Kirkbride - who played Deirdre Barlow - has died. The actress - who was 60 - is said to have suffered a 'short illness' and passed away in hospital. Anne was on extended leave from the show after a heavy 18 month schedule Last night - ITV bosses broke the sad news that she had passed away. A statement on the soap's website simply says the cast and crew are 'heartbroken'. An that heartache has been displayed on twitter overnight with her co-stars and close friends writing their own tributes: Samia Gardie who plays Maria wrote - RIP to a wonderful..unforgettable Lady... Kym Marsh says she 'cannot describe how devastated we all are' Anthony Cotton also says 'so unbelievably sad' And Jack P Shepherd who plays David Platt - tweeted - RIPTheWeatherfieldOne - of course referring to when her character was jailed in 1998 sparking a huge public campaign to 'Free Dierdre Rachid'. Anne was one of the shows longest running actresses having played Dierdre for 44 years and will be best remembered for her on screen relationship with Ken. William Roache himself has paid tribute calling her a loving and vibrant person - an impeccable performer with superb comedy timing...he goes on to say Coronation Street has lost one of its iconic characters and Anne will be greatly missed.