Coronation Street stars mourn the death of Anne Kirkbride

20 January 2015

Anne Kirkbride

By Amelia Butterly

Newsbeat reporter

Anne Kirkbride, who played Deirdre Barlow in Coronation Street, has died after "a short illness," her husband has confirmed.

David Beckett said his beloved wife has passed away peacefully in a Manchester hospital.

"David and the programme's cast and crew are heartbroken and deeply saddened," said an ITV statement.

She appeared on the soap for more than 40 years and her co-stars have been sharing their memories of her life.

Alan Halsall aka Tyrone Dobbs

Tweet from @alanhalsall reading: "Rip Annie beautiful woman inside & out xxx"

Twitter/ @alanhalsall

Paula Lane aka Kylie Platt

Tweet from @Paula_Lane reading: "Devastated to hear the news. Anne Kirkbride - RIP we have lost a legend"

Twitter/ @lane_paula

Wendi Peters aka Cilla Battersby-Brown

Tweet from @WendiPeters reading: "Oh my ... I'm in shock, such sad news, a wonderful lady: (Rest in peace Annie xxx"

Twitter/ @WendiPeters

Jennie McAlpine aka Fiona "Fiz" Stape

Tweet from @jenniemcalpine reading: "Such sad news. Rest in peace Annie x"

Twitter/@jenniemcalpine

Michelle Keegan aka Tina McIntyre

Tweet from @michkeegan reading: "So so sad. Devastating news. Love you Annie. The nation is now in mourning... xxx"

Twitter/@michkeegan

Les Dennis aka Michael Rodwell

Tweet from @LesDennis reading: "So very sad to hear our lovely Anne Kirkbride has died. One of the true icons of @itvcorrie. We will all miss you. The nations favourite."

Twitter/@LesDennis

Beverley Callard aka Liz McDonald

Tweet from @Beverleycallard reading: "My beautiful darling friend, Anne Kirkbride, passed away in a room filled with love. God Bless, my Darling Girl! Peace and rest!"

Twitter/@Beverleycallard

Antony Cotton aka Sean Tully

Tweet from @antonycotton reading: "So unbelievably sad"

Twitter/@antonycotton

Kate Ford aka Tracy Barlow

Tweet from @kateford76 reading: "Heartbroken at the loss of my friend and beautiful on screen mummy. The most crazy funny 100 per cent human. My life was enriched by her"

Twitter/@kateford76

Georgia May Foote aka Katy Armstrong

Tweet from @georgiamayfoote reading: "I'm still in shock that Anne Kirkbride has passed away. This woman never failed to make me smile. She will be missed #legend"

Twitter/@georgiafoote

Gaynor Faye aka Judy Mallett

Tweet from @MsGfaye reading: "Anne Kirkbride's smile & laugh always lit up the #Corrie green room...may it light up the sky as bright! #angel #RIPANNIE"

Twitter/@MsGfaye

Nikki Sanderson aka Candice Stowe

Tweet from @NikkiSanderson reading: "My heart aches 2night. My thought & prayers go out 2 all who knew the phenomenal Anne Kirkbride, I am honoured 2 have known & worked with u #RIP x"

Twitter/@NikkiSanderson

Samia Ghadie aka Maria Connor

Tweet from @realsamia reading: "#RIP to a wonderful unforgettable lady... Anne Kirkbride. We will miss you so very much x"

Twitter/@realsamia

Other ITV stars have also been paying their respects

Tweet from @PaddyMcGuinness showing a picture of some spectacles and reading: "Anne Kirkbride RIP. A part of our lives whether you knew her or not. She created such an iconic character."

Twitter/@PaddyMcGuinness

Tweet from @Schofe reading: "Just checked my phone and have heard of the sad loss of the wonderful Anne Kirkbride. My deepest condolences to the #Corrie family x"

Twitter/@Schofe

Tweet from @reallorraine reading: "So very sad to hear of death of Anne Kirkbride - Thoughts with her husband and family and everyone who loved her. Corrie legend."

Twitter/@reallorraine

Follow @BBCNewsbeat, external on Twitter, BBCNewsbeat, external on Instagram and Radio1Newsbeat, external on YouTube