Coronation Street’s Anne Kirkbride has died aged 60 after a short illness.
The actress, who joined the ITV soap in 1972 and played the part of Deirdre Barlow, passed away peacefully in a Manchester hospital, the broadcaster has confirmed.
David Beckett, her husband, and the cast and crew of the show were said to be "heartbroken and deeply saddened" by the news.
Kieran Roberts, the executive producer of ‘Coronation Street’, said: "We feel blessed and honoured to have known her.
"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. Our thoughts are with David and their family."
Meanwhile, Peter Fincham, ITV director of television, said: "Anne has been a truly loyal servant to Coronation Street since joining the programme in the early 1970s.
"She created a unique and unforgettable character in Deirdre Barlow and she’ll be greatly missed on and off screen.
"Our sincerest condolences to Anne’s husband David and her family at this very sad time."
William Roache, who played her on-screen 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.
"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."
Coronation Street star Anne Kirkbride dies aged 60
