Anne Kirkbride Was Planning 'Coronation Street' Return As Deirdre Barlow Days Before Her Death

Anne Was Planning 'Corrie' Return Days Before She Died

Anne Kirkbride had been planning her return as Deirdre Barlow in ‘Coronation Street’ just days before she died, it has been reported.

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‘Corrie’ producer Stuart Blackburn has revealed that he spoke to Anne last Friday, just three days before her death, when she told him how much she was looking forward to returning to the cobbles to play Deirdre once again, following the three-month break she had taken from from the soap.

Anne Kirkbride

However, sadly Anne’s condition worsened later that day, and she died in a Manchester hospital on Monday evening, aged 60.

Anne’s family have told the newspaper that there will be a private funeral held for the iconic soap actress next week.

Her onscreen husband, Bill Roache - who starred opposite Anne in ‘Corrie’ as Ken Barlow for over 40 years - paid tribute to her with a moving speech at the National Television Awards on Wednesday night.

Bill Roache at the NTAs

The cast of ‘EastEnders’ were honoured with the Best Serial Drama gong at the awards bash, and dedicated it to Anne’s memory, with Adam Woodyatt saying: “This is dedicated to the Weatherfield One”, which received a standing ovation from the cast of ‘Corrie’.

Anne Kirkbride

Anne Kirkbride Through The Years

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