Coronation Street’s Anne Kirkbride dies aged 60

We're very sad to bring you the news that Corrie's Anne Kirkbride has died, aged 60.

In a statement released via @ITVCorrie's Twitter, the show representatives said that Anne's husband David Beckett had confirmed the actress had passed away peacefully in Manchester Hospital after a short illness.

Anne played much-loved Coronation Street character Deirdre Barlow on the soap for 44-years.

Executive producer Kieron Roberts expressed his and the whole team's sadness, saying, "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."

heat's Features Editor and Soapy Bubble columnist Kay Ribeiro reacted to the news, "Like Every Corrie fan I'm completely shocked to hear about Anne's passing. Deirdre Barlow was such a Corrie legend. From her tumultuous relationship with husband Ken, to her trademark glasses, belt and stuffed marrow, Deirdre is a soap icon. The cobbles will be a far sadder place without her."

Anne's co-star Bill Roache, who played Anne’s onscreen husband Ken Barlow, 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.

"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.”

Hear, hear.