Anne Kirkbride dies

 William Roache (Ken Barlow) with Anne Kirkbride(Deirdre Barlow)

Anne Kirkbride dies: Coronation Street's William Roache leads tributes
Fellow Coronation Street stars and famous figures from the world of showbusiness have been remembering the actress, 60, who died on Monday evening

 The actor William Roache, who played Anne Kirkbride’s husband Ken Barlow, has led tributes to his co-star, describing her as “a loving and vibrant person”.

Kirkbride died at a Manchester hospital on Monday night after a short illness. Castmates and other showbusiness figures have added their tributes to the 60-year-old, who had acted in the soap since 1972.

Camilla, Anne Kirkbride,and Ryan Thomas

Mr Roache said: “I feel Anne’s loss so personally having worked closely with her for over 40 years. 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.”

iewers of the soap had been entranced by the long-running saga of Ken and Deirdre Barlow for decades, since they were first married in 1981.

Last year Kirkbride defended Roache at his sex assault trial by taking to the witness box at Preston Crown Court to praise her co-star.

She told the jury that Roache was "always a perfect gentleman" around her, and when asked what one word she would use to describe him, she replied: "Lovely."
Other famous figures added their tributes to the actress after news of her death broke on Monday evening.

Paddy McGuinness, the comedian, tweeted a picture of Deirdre’s oversize glasses. He added that Kirkbride was “part of our lives, whether you knew her or not”.

 Other Coronation Street stars paying tribute to Kirkbride included fellow soap veteran Beverley Callard.



Known for playing Rovers Return barmaid Liz McDonald, Callard tweeted: "My beautiful darling friend, Anne Kirkbride, passed away in a room filled with love. God Bless, my Darling Girl! Peace and rest!"

Les Dennis, who plays Michael Rodwell, tweeted: "So very sad to hear our lovely Anne Kirkbride has died. One of the true icons of @itvcorrie. We will all miss you. The nations favourite."

Michelle Keegan, whose character Tina McIntyre made a dramatic exit last year, said: "The nation is now in mourning..."

Anne Kirkbride as she unveiled the new wax figure

Kate Ford, who plays Deirdre's daughter Tracy Barlow, tweeted: "Heartbroken at the loss of my friend and beautiful on screen mummy. The most crazy funny 100 per cent human. My life was enriched by her."

And Samia Ghadie, who plays Maria in the soap, tweeted: "RIP to a wonderful unforgettable lady.. Anne Kirkbride. We will miss you so very

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