ITV: Deirdre Barlow 'unique and unforgettable character'

Bill Roache leads Anne Kirkbride tributes at NTAs

Bill Roache led tributes to Coronation Street's Anne Kirkbride at tonight's National Television Awards.

As the soap's Ken and Deirdre Barlow, they shared the screen for more than 40 years.

Anne Kirkbride created a "unique and unforgettable character" in Deirdre Barlow, ITV's Director of Television has said.

Coronation Street actors William Roache (left), who played Ken Barlow and Johnny Briggs who played Mike Baldwin with Anne Kirkbride. Credit: PA Wire

Paying tribute to Anne, Peter Fincham said: "Anne has been a truly loyal servant to Coronation Street since joining the programme in the early 1970s.

"She created a unique and unforgettable character in Deirdre Barlow and she'll be greatly missed on and off screen.

"Our sincerest condolences to Anne's husband David and her family at this very sad time"

Last updated Wed 21 Jan 2015