Coronation Street popular
figure, Anne Kirkbride passes on. Her death yesterday has
led to an outpouring of grief from thousands who have 'grown up' with her
character Deirdre Barlow and 'can't imagine' the soap without her.
Over
the weekend rumours had begun circulating about her poor health. And yesterday
evening the devastating news was released that Anne had lost her battle with
breast cancer she suffered at the age of 60.
For more than 40 years she was one
of the most famous faces on TV, after joining the series when she was just 18.
The
much-loved star’s illness had been kept a closely guarded
secret, with fans told only that she was on extended leave from her role as
Deirdre Barlow. Only her husband David Beckett, 62, family and friends were
aware of the sad truth.
ITV
issued an emotional statement in consultation with heartbroken David.
It
read: “It is with great sadness that David Beckett has confirmed tonight that
his beloved wife and Coronation Street actress Anne Kirkbride has passed away
peacefully in a Manchester hospital after a short illness.
“David
and the programme’s cast and crew are heartbroken and deeply saddened at the
loss of Anne, who has been a Coronation Street icon for 44 years.”
Co-star
William Roache, who played her
husband Ken Barlow for many years, said she would be "greatly
missed".
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."
She
first appeared
on the cobbles in 1972 and her character became loved by millions of viewers. Deirdre
was last seen on screen in October, when she decided to leave Weatherfield for
a while ahead of her stepson Peter's murder trial.
Executive
producer Kieran Roberts said: "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.
"We
feel blessed and honoured to have known her.
"Our
thoughts are with David and their family."
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