Anne Kirkbride’s funeral took place yesterday (27.01.15).
The ‘Coronation Street’ legend – who died last week after battling cancer – was laid to rest in a "small send-off" at an undisclosed location in the North West, with castmates William Roache, Kate Ford and Beverley Callard joining her husband David Beckett, other family members and close friends for the service.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Anne was always a private person and wanted a small send-off. That was Anne — she didn’t want a fuss."
Anne had reportedly left instructions about which cast members she wanted at the service, and those who were unable to attend the small funeral are hoping to celebrate her life with a memorial service at a later date.
It was recently revealed that Beverley – who plays Liz McDonald on ‘Corrie’ – had been helping David to plan his wife’s funeral.
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 played for over 40 years.
Anne Kirkbride laid to rest
