The stars of ‘Coronation Street’ want a public memorial service to be held for Anne Kirkbride.
The late actress – who played Diedre Barlow on the ITV soap – was laid to rest in a private funeral, attended by a handful of her former co-stars on Tuesday (27.01.15) but they are now rallying for a public memorial to take place through which others can pay their respects.
Series bosses have said they will back the sevice if its what her husband David Beckett, 62, also wants.
According to The Sun newspaper, one said: "Everything is still so raw for David. Nobody will do anything until he decides what he wishes to do."
Sue Nicholls, 71, who plays Audrey Roberts, added: "If a memorial service was arranged the place would be packed, with others paying their respects outside. She was loved so much."
The ‘Coronation Street’ legend died following a battle with cancer on January 19 and 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, other family members and close friends for the service.
A source previously said: "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 now said to be hoping to celebrate her life with a second memorial service at a later date.
Coronation Street stars want public memorial for Anne Kirkbride
