Beverley Callard is helping to plan Anne Kirkbride’s funeral.
The 57-year-old actress – who appears as Liz McDonald in ‘Coronation Street’ – will help Anne’s grief-stricken husband, David Beckett, give the actress a send-off, after she died on Monday (19.01.15) following a short battle with cancer.
A source said: "Annie’s death was very sudden – no one had time to prepare for it.
"It’s not like David had months or even weeks to come to terms with losing his wife. He is all over the place and struggling to take things in.
"Bev is helping him with the funeral. They want it to be a personal ceremony that celebrates Anne as her family and friends knew her – as well as her career as Deirdre.
"That is really important to David. Anne was loved as Deirdre but he loved her as Anne and the tributes will reflect that."
Anne was known for her role as Deirdre Barlow in the ITV soap, a character she had played for 40 years.
All the cast and crew have been invited to the funeral, which takes place on Wednesday (28.01.15).
The source continued to The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "All of the cast and crew have been invited on Wednesday.
"There are so many people from ‘Corrie’ going that the bosses have laid on coaches. The venue will be packed and it will be very emotional."
Meanwhile, Beverley previously paid tribute to her dear friend and co-star.
Tweeting after the news of Anne’s passing was confirmed, she said: "My beautiful darling friend, Anne Kirkbride, passed away in a room filled with love. God Bless, my Darling Girl! Peace and rest! (sic)"
Beverley Callard helps plan Anne Kirkbride’s funeral
