A public memorial service for Anne Kirkbride will take place on May 30.
‘Coronation Street’ cast and crew members are expected to join the late actress’ family and friends, as well as members of the public, for a "celebration" of Anne’s life at Manchester Cathedral.
An ITV spokesperson said: "Cast and crew will celebrate Anne’s life alongside her family and members of the public who would like to pay their respects to the actress who brought so much joy into everyone’s lives as Deirdre Barlow."
It was revealed earlier this week that ‘Corrie’ will say goodbye to Anne’s character Deirdre Barlow later this year, with soap bosses currently working on a fitting tribute to the star, who died of cancer in January.
The show’s executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "She was a wonderful woman, a wonderful actress. We all miss her terribly.
"At the moment, we’re respecting her memory. We’re talking to her family and respecting the family’s wishes, but what I can tell fans of the show is that we will be saying farewell to the character on screen later this year."
Although Deirdre’s exact exit storyline is yet to be decided on, ‘Corrie’ bosses are keen to ensure Anne’s family have had long enough to grieve before explaining her departure from the soap, in which she starred for over 40 years.
He added: "The exact plans are not yet finalised but that will certainly happen. It’s important that, in the real world, the family are able to say farewell to the woman. We absolutely support and respect all of that.
"Later in the year, we will make sure that ‘Coronation Street’ is able to say a farewell to Deirdre."
Anne Kirkbride memorial service announced
