Show producers pay tribute to 'legendary character'

Colleagues of Anne Kirkbridge, who played Deirdre Barlow in Coronation Street for 44 years, have paid tribute to the actress.

Kieran Roberts, executive producer, said: "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. We feel blessed and honoured to have known her. Our thoughts are with David and their family."

The creator of Coronation Street Tony Warren said: “Anne was very easy to love. Her talent over the years made a massive contribution to Coronation Street.”