Actress Anne Kirkbride, 1954-2015

[Steve_uk]

She was a regular on the television programme Coronation Street,a soap begun in 1960 and still going strong set amidst the cobblestones and chimney stacks of industrial Manchester,where two-up two-down terraced brick houses were the norm. Born in nearby Oldham she joined the "Street" in 1972 and became a firm favourite amongst British viewers. It appears that her non-Hodgkin's lymphoma must have recurred and she died with husband David Beckett by her side.http://youtu.be/ZFvQn1k5BJ4

[Zoneboy]

Link

Coronation Street star Anne Kirkbride, who played the character Deirdre Barlow in the long-running television soap, has died aged 60 after a short illness.

ITV said the actress, who was in the show for 44 years, passed away peacefully in a Manchester hospital.

Her husband David Beckett and the programme's cast and crew were said to be "heartbroken and deeply saddened".

Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "We feel blessed and honoured to have known her."

He added: "There are no words to describe the sense of grief we feel at Anne's passing. 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. Our thoughts are with David and their family."

'Greatly missed'

ITV director of television Peter Fincham said the character she played on the programme was "unique and unforgettable".

"Anne has been a truly loyal servant to Coronation Street since joining the programme in the early 1970s," he said.

"She created a unique and unforgettable character in Deirdre Barlow and she'll be greatly missed on and off screen.

"Our sincerest condolences to Anne's husband David and her family at this very sad time."

Ken Farrington, who played Billy Walker in Coronation Street for more than 20 years, told BBC News her death was "absolutely devastating".

"I'm still a bit shocked. She had just tremendous fun and talent," he said.



Kirkbride started in Coronation Street in 1972 and over the years became known for her character's large glasses and husky voice.

In the 1980s one of the soap's most famous storylines hinged on whether she would stay with onscreen husband Ken Barlow, played by William Roache.

Roache said: " "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."

Coronation Street's creator Tony Warren said: "Anne was very easy to love. Her talent over the years made a massive contribution to Coronation Street."

[Marvo301]

Anne Kirkbride. Coronation Street will never be the same without her.

[Steve_uk]

Originally Posted by Marvo301

Anne Kirkbride. Coronation Street will never be the same without her.

No it won't,and such a distinctive actress they couldn't possibly replace the part with another woman. Maybe it would be a good time to write the whole family out,if members could offer suggestions as to how they might do it..

[Penny Lane]

I love British television! May she rest in peace

[Steve_uk]

Originally Posted by Penny Lane

I love British television! May she rest in peace

On-screen husband William Roache paid tribute to her at last night's television awards.http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/30927655