Twitter is packed with tributes to Anne Kirkbride this evening after news broke that the Coronation Street star has passed away aged 60 following a short illness.

Advertisement

The actress – who played Deirdre Barlow for over 40 years – was adored by viewers and her co-stars past and present, with William Roache, her on-screen husband Ken, releasing a statement following news of her death:

“I feel Anne’s loss so personally having worked closely with her for over 40 years. She was such a loving and vibrant person. You always knew she was there because her laugh was never far away.

"She was an impeccable performer with superb comedy timing and an immense gift for really heightened drama. We had some rows over the years as Ken and Deirdre and it was wonderful to play those scenes opposite her. Coronation Street has lost one of its iconic characters and Anne will be greatly missed.”

Many of Kirkbride's co-stars shared Roache's sentiments, taking to the social networking site to pay their respects to the late actress:

More like this

They were joined on Twitter by a steady stream of tweeters from rival soaps...

Advertisement

But it wasn't just soap stars paying their respects – plenty more famous faces went online to share their shock and favourite memories of the much-loved actress...

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement