Coronation Street star William Roache has paid tribute to his on-screen wife Anne Kirkbride at last night’s National Television Awards after the actress, who played Deirdre Barlow, died on Monday.
William gave a heart-warming speech about their working partnership and how she’ll be greatly missed by the rest of the Corrie cast.
William said Anne was one of the “best-loved and most enduring characters on British television”.
“The nation took Deirdre into their hearts. I feel blessed and honoured and privileged to have had those years working with Anne.”
He added that she was “vibrant and warm-hearted” and thanked people who have sent condolences.
“We’ve been deeply touched by the outpouring of love for Anne. We share your grief for losing such a beautiful person. I love you Anne.”
Speaking on Tuesday after news of Anne’s death had broken, William said: “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.”
He went on to describe her as “a loving and vibrant person” whose laugh “was never far away”.
NTAs 2015
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GALLERY: Deirdre Barlow's Coronation Street highlights
Deirdre Barlow's Coronation Street highlights
1 of 9Ray Langton, Dierdre and baby Tracy (and Deirdre's massive glasses, obvs)
2 of 9Ken tied the knot with Deirdre and her nice hair back in 1981
3 of 9Back in the day, Deirdre and good friend Liz McDonald both favoured a perm
4 of 9Her holiday romance with Samir ended in marriage
5 of 9When she was wrongly arrested for fraud, a "free the Weatherfield One" campaign was launched
6 of 9Remember her brief fling with boss Dev?
7 of 9In court, having to testify at daughter Tracy's trial
8 of 9Family portrait: Deirdre, mum Blanche and little Eccles. Aww
9 of 9