View Full Version : Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride)
Anne Kirkbride will be taking an extended leave from Coronation Street.
The 60-year-old Kirkbride is taking a sabbatical to deal with personal affairs, reports the Daily Star.
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Celebrity Birthdays 20th June - 26th June: Anne Kirkbride
© Rex Features / McPix Ltd
"Anne Kirkbride requested a slightly extended period of leave from the show, a request the company was happy to grant," a Corrie spokeswoman said.
Kirkbride is expected to be absent for three months from her role as Deirdre Barlow.
The long-time series regular is expected to return in the new year.
Kirkbride has portrayed viewer-favourite Deirdre on-and-off since 1972.
Maybe she is going to look after Peter depending on how he is being written out ...
I hope Anne isnt ill.......
She has had breast cancer before ............
She has had breast cancer before ............
did she not have something throat-related, or lymph node....
because I always thought with the husky voice, and the number of ciggies, I'd worry about my throat...?
I might have got this wrong in my memory, maybe it was some other form of cancer :(
According to the Daily Mail she suffered from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma , I don't know but does that tie in with Perdita's and your thoughts Sarah c ?. Since then she has suffered from very acute depression . God speed to her for a full recovery and return to corrie if it is that
tammyy2j
29-09-2014, 16:01
She has be around for Tracey's wedding :p
Ruffed_lemur
29-09-2014, 16:48
That's a shame. Thought Deirdre was far more entertaining in Ken's absence. Seems odd him coming back, and her going.
According to the Daily Mail she suffered from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma , I don't know but does that tie in with Perdita's and your thoughts Sarah c ?. Since then she has suffered from very acute depression . God speed to her for a full recovery and return to corrie if it is that
I am sorry, got it wrong, hope she recovers quickly from whatever is troubling her now. :(
According to the Daily Mail she suffered from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma , I don't know but does that tie in with Perdita's and your thoughts Sarah c ?. Since then she has suffered from very acute depression . God speed to her for a full recovery and return to corrie if it is that
I am sorry, got it wrong, hope she recovers quickly from whatever is troubling her now. :(
I am sorry, got it wrong, hope she recovers quickly from whatever is troubling her now. :(Nothing to say sorry for Perdita , I know very little about the condition but you and Sarah c were both right I think it is a form of cancer that can affect various parts of the body. Sarah c may provide more info. In any case you don't need to say sorry if it had been incorrect, I'd be apologising all the time for some of the crap I post on soapboards.
It's a form of lymphoma, so cancer if the lymph nodes
But usually if you're given the all clear as Anne has been, you're ok?
tammyy2j
29-09-2014, 21:06
I thought she had throat cancer in the past
Coronation Street bosses have played down reports that Anne Kirkbride is planning to retire.
The long-serving cast member, who plays Deirdre Barlow, has been absent from the ITV show in recent months after deciding to take an extended break.
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Anne Kirkbride and Bill Roache on set
© Rex Features / McPix Ltd
Anne Kirkbride with on-screen husband Bill Roache
A report in The Sun on Sunday today (January 18) claimed that Kirkbride is now questioning her future on the cobbles and could quit for good.
However, a Coronation Street spokesperson told Digital Spy: "Anne is currently on extended leave, but we are not aware of any desire to step down permanently from her role as Deirdre Barlow."
Deirdre was last seen on screen in October, when she decided to leave Weatherfield for a while ahead of her stepson Peter's murder trial.
When the stress of the situation became too much, Deirdre's husband Ken (Bill Roache) suggested that she should go to stay with her friend Bev and clear her head.
Kirkbride, 60, has played the role of Deirdre since 1972 and is one of the show's best-loved cast members.
I hope she comes back ... I miss her :(
I hope so too but can understand if she has had enough because of her health. It's a shame if its true as they had created a new deirdre that was so funny.
on twitter it is saying she has died
moonstorm
19-01-2015, 21:37
Poor soul, she was so young. RIP.
Confirmed by ITV as well. I can't believe it. 60 is so young. Will miss Deirdre Barlow. She was a character. I imagine there will be a lot of upset at corrie after this as she was such a big part of the show for so long. They will be devastated.
LizzyBizzy
19-01-2015, 22:04
Very sad news.
silvershilling
19-01-2015, 22:07
Very sad to hear of Anne Kirkbride's passing--she may have been nicknamed "Dreary", but her character was one of the greats on Corrie. My condolences to her family and castmates.
Shocked & stunned, a massive part of Corrie and a soap legend. A key figure of the show ever since i began watching as a kid. RIP Anne :(
So Sad - she was a lovely lady - I met her once - Sue Nicholls will be devastated - they were very close friends.
tammyy2j
19-01-2015, 23:20
I am in shock and saddened by this and I am not the biggest Corrie fan, RIP, a big loss to her family and friends and the show itself
An iconic actress and character will be missed hugely
tammyy2j
19-01-2015, 23:20
RIP Anne
parkerman
19-01-2015, 23:25
Wow! What a shock. There was never any indication that it was this serious. So sad. A great actress and a great character. She will be very badly missed.
Corrie will never be the same.
RIP Anne :(
From the BBC
Coronation Street star Anne Kirkbride, who played the character Deirdre Barlow in the long-running television soap, has died aged 60 after a short illness.
ITV said the actress, who was in the show for 42 years, passed away peacefully in a Manchester hospital.
Her husband David Beckett and the programme's cast and crew were said to be "heartbroken and deeply saddened".
Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "We feel blessed and honoured to have known her."
Coronation Street has lost one of its iconic characters and Anne will be greatly missed” - William Roache (Actor who played Ken Barlow)
He added: "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. Our thoughts are with David and their family."
'Greatly missed'
ITV director of television Peter Fincham said the character she played on the programme was "unique and unforgettable".
"Anne has been a truly loyal servant to Coronation Street since joining the programme in the early 1970s," he said.
Actor Ken Farrington: "She had just tremendous fun and talent"
"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."
Ken Farrington, who played Billy Walker in Coronation Street for more than 20 years, told BBC News her death was "absolutely devastating".
"I'm still a bit shocked. She had just tremendous fun and talent," he said.
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Anne Kirkbride played the wife of Ken Barlow, actor William Roache, for many years
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Anne Kirkbride (second right) when the Duchess of Cornwall visited the set of Coronation Street
Kirkbride started in Coronation Street in 1972 as Deirdre Hunt and over the years became known for her character's large glasses and husky voice.
Kirkbride's character had been off screen after the actress was give a three-month break by the show's producers.
In the 1980s one of the soap's most famous storylines hinged on whether she would stay with onscreen husband Ken Barlow, played by William Roache.
Roache said: "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."
Coronation Street's creator Tony Warren said: "Anne was very easy to love. Her talent over the years made a massive contribution to Coronation Street."
Kate Ford, who plays Deirdre's daughter Tracy Barlow, tweeted: "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."
Wow! What a shock. There was never any indication that it was this serious. So sad. A great actress and a great character. She will be very badly missed.
So sad and so sudden. I suppose we all thought she had beaten the Big C a few years back. She will be missed on Corrie as one of its most popular characters but her poor family must be bsolutely devastated
Very sad indeed..:( I know it's early ..but can't help thinking how are they going to write her off? :( Will be really sad occasion on the street too..
And the whole Barlow family..Peter is gone for time being so there's only Ken,Tracy and Amy..and Simon. Hopefully Bill Roache stays, although I can imagine it must be hard..I will really miss Deirdre-I missed her already after few episodes! r.i.p
Very sad indeed..:( I know it's early ..but can't help thinking how are they going to write her off? :( Will be really sad occasion on the street too..
And the whole Barlow family..Peter is gone for time being so there's only Ken,Tracy and Amy..and Simon. Hopefully Bill Roache stays, although I can imagine it must be hard..I will really miss Deirdre-I missed her already after she wasn't there in few episodes! r.i.p
TaintedLove
20-01-2015, 17:28
I`m so gutted over Annes passing. Deidre has been a part of my life so long, it feels like I have lost a dear family member.
It`s thanks to Deidre that she made wearing glasses chic. When I was 12 I needed glasses because of an eye injury I had while swimming. I was dreading wearing them, but the kids in school said I looked like Deidre and that my glasses suited me.
Corrie will be a sadder emptier place without Deidre that`s for sure. RIP dear lady ♥ :wub:
:(
live every day to the fullest and enjoy life
rip anne
live every day to the fullest and enjoy life
rip anne
A 2012 documentary which paid tribute to Coronation Street's Anne Kirkbride is to be repeated by ITV following the news of her death.
Deirdre and Me: A Tribute will air on Tuesday, February 3 in a 7.30pm timeslot on ITV.
An ITV press release bills the programme as "another chance to see this documentary special looking at the woman behind those famous glasses, showing as a tribute to the late Anne Kirkbride and her 40-year career playing Deirdre Barlow on Coronation Street".
The programme was originally shown in November 2012 in celebration of Kirkbride reaching her 40th year in the role of Deirdre.
Deirdre and Me sees Kirkbride take the cameras backstage at Coronation Street while opening up over her soap career and her own personal life.
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Can Ken and Deirdre get their relationship back on track?
© ITV
Deirdre with husband Ken in Coronation Street
Coronation Street stars past and present including Bill Roache, Johnny Briggs, Michelle Keegan and Chris Gascoyne all appear in the documentary.
Kirkbride passed away in a Manchester hospital on Monday (January 19) following a short illness. She was 60 years old.
The popular actress had been on a break from Coronation Street in recent months and her final scenes as Deirdre aired in October 2014.
I watched it then and I shall watch it again!!!
Ruffed_lemur
22-01-2015, 00:12
I had been thinking Deirdre would be coming back soon. Such sad news. RIP Anne. :(
Very sad indeed..:( I know it's early ..but can't help thinking how are they going to write her off? :( Will be really sad occasion on the street too..
And the whole Barlow family..Peter is gone for time being so there's only Ken,Tracy and Amy..and Simon. Hopefully Bill Roache stays, although I can imagine it must be hard..I will really miss Deirdre-I missed her already after she wasn't there in few episodes! r.i.p
peter would return for her funeral on screen
peter would return for her funeral on screen
I hope he does.
Tuesday, 3rd February, 7.30pm - 8.00pm
Deirdre and Me: A Tribute
Another chance to see this documentary special looking at the woman behind those famous glasses, showing as a tribute to the late Anne Kirkbride and her 40-year career playing Deirdre Barlow on Coronation Street.
Originally shown in November 2012, this hour-long documentary sees Anne takes the cameras backstage at Coronation Street and talks about everything from her battle with depression to being diagnosed with cancer, her close relationships with her fellow cast members to meeting her future husband on set.
And she explains how she coped playing one of the most loved characters on our screens as she faced such personal issues behind-the-scenes.
Anne takes viewers back to the start of her career when she was a theatre stage manager in Oldham, before talking about the first time she stepped onto Coronation Street.
She reveals her fears that, after just six years on the Street, she might have to leave the show when her colleague, Neville Buswell, who played her husband, decided to quit.
The programme also reunites Anne and William Roache, who plays her screen husband Ken, with Johnny Briggs, who played Mike Baldwin. The trio discuss the affair that rocked the Street almost 30 years ago when Ken discovered Deirdre had been sleeping with Mike.
Plus, Anne talks about her private life, including her cancer diagnosis, and her battle with depression that she faced as Deirdre was locked up for fraud in the famous Weatherfield One storyline.
As she takes cameras into her dressing room on the Coronation Street set, Anne also talks about her close off-screen relationships with her on-screen family. And other cast members past and present, including William Roache, Michelle Keegan and Chris Gascoyne share their thoughts about working with Anne over the last 40 years.
And its about time that Tracy would finally grow up! The Barlow family future and reputation is soon in her(and Peter's) hands..
I hope they show a different Tracy as Deirdre was the only one who loved her unconditionally. It should show her serious loss and it should be visible for some time. But they never do things properly.
The funeral of Coronation Street icon Anne Kirkbride was held yesterday (January 27).
Family and close friends paid their last respects at a small, private service for the actress, who passed away at the age of 60 last week.
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Anne Kirkbride and William Roache in Coronation Street
© Rex Features / McPix Ltd
According to The Mirror, her husband David Beckett and brother John Kirkbride requested an *invitation-only service.
Coronation Street colleagues thought to have been invited include Bill Roache (Ken Barlow), Kate Ford (Tracy Barlow), Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow) Beverley Callard (Liz McDonald) and former Corrie actor Johnny Briggs (Mike Baldwin).
Filming at Coronation Street was cancelled for the day on January 20 as a mark of respect to Kirkbride, who had played Weatherfield's Deirdre Barlow for 42 years.
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William Roache pays tribute to Anne Kirkbride during the 2015 National Television Awards at the O2 Arena, London
© PA Images / Ian West/PA Wire
Much of the ITV soap's cast of past and present shared their condolences, while EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt paid tribute to Kirkbride at the NTAs.
They will have to address this in the show now - will be very difficult :(
parkerman
28-01-2015, 12:36
They will have to address this in the show now - will be very difficult :(
Eastenders still haven't dealt with John Bardon's death. Dot is still visiting Jim, so I guess there's no rush in dealing with Deidre.
I hope they do deal with it as soon as they feel comfortable doing so..as Deidre has been away so long it's not believable anymore-missing your own daughter's wedding and Rob's arrest, Pete coming home from prison and then..leaving Weatherfield. And now..Tracy was just in an accident that nearly killed her?? And no mention even her mom calling her asking how she was??! I know it's a soap but it should be realistic too.
If memory serves, Stan Richards who played Seth Armstrong in Emmerdale, it was about twelve months later before the screen funeral of Seth. I too hope that Anne's death is dealt with as soon as possible in terms of Deidre and not to wait for the creation of some major storyline in six months time.
I think it was about 6 months after Clive Hornby's death (Jack Sugden) that they had his funeral in the show.
maidmarian
28-01-2015, 17:53
I hope they do deal with it as soon as they feel comfortable doing so..as Deidre has been away so long it's not believable anymore-missing your own daughter's wedding and Rob's arrest, Pete coming home from prison and then..leaving Weatherfield. And now..Tracy was just in an accident that nearly killed her?? And no mention even her mom calling her asking how she was??! I know it's a soap but it should be realistic too.
agree with your comments -but I suppose they
were showing sensitivity to actress while she was
still with us and to her husband and family now
that she has died.
when they made announcement about Annes
"leave of absence" request I did think it sounded
potentially very serious but hoped I would be
wrong.
From reports made of friends comments- she was
hoping to be back on Corrie in a few weeks.
It is very difficult situation for programme managers
and for them to make right decisions to avoid
people feeling written off before theyve gone and
also adding to distress their families feel.
Actors like Bill Tarmey and Liz Dawn decide to
leave and make the most of the time/ health they
have- so dont mind that their character dies.
Generally the producers prob err on the side
of too much time - but viewers do have to
suspend belief quite often about soap storylines
but the sutuation where actor is seriously ill
and dies -is an occasion when I dont mind doing
that.
Hard for writers as things happen. Maybe they could say it was a heart attack. Her character was a heavy smoker. Whatever it is it is going to be off scene but i am sure they will have a proper funeral for deirdre. I hope they show Tracy missing her mum. She was the only one who unconditionally loved her.
tammyy2j
30-01-2015, 16:53
Besides Peter and maybe Shelley and her mother Bev who else could return for Deirdre's funeral?
Coronation Street bosses are consulting with Anne Kirkbride's family as they make plans for her iconic character Deirdre Barlow to have a fitting send-off later this year.
Kirkbride passed away in a Manchester hospital in January following a short illness. The 60-year-old had played the much-loved role of Deirdre since 1972.
On screen in Coronation Street's storylines, Deirdre is away from Weatherfield staying with her friend Bev Unwin. Kirkbride's final scenes aired in October 2014.
Speaking today (March 13), Coronation Street's executive producer Kieran Roberts commented: "We absolutely will say farewell to Deirdre in the show. We don't yet know exactly what the plans are.
"Anne's death was a huge tragedy and everybody who worked with her just loved her to bits - she was a very special woman. What's really important is that the first thing we have to do is respect Anne and her family.
"We're talking to her family about lots of things and when we feel we've done that, we will be planning to say farewell to the character of Deirdre as well. I'm sure we will do justice to that amazing, iconic character later in the year."
Tributes poured in from across the soap world and beyond after Kirkbride's sad passing in January. Production at Coronation Street shut down for the day as a mark of respect, while Kirkbride's on-screen husband Bill Roache (Ken Barlow) made an emotional speech about his long-time friend and co-star at the National Television Awards.
More recently, it has been revealed that Kirkbride's name will remain on her dressing room door at Coronation Street's studios as a permanent tribute to her.
A memorial service for Anne Kirkbride has been announced.
Friends, family and fans will be able to pay their respects to the late Coronation Street star on Saturday, May 30 at Manchester Cathedral.
Kirkbride - who played Deirdre Barlow in the ITV soap for 42 years - died in January at the age of 60 after a short illness.
Cast members William Roache and Beverley Callard will be among the Corrie stars attending the service, which will begin at 11.30am.
"Cast and crew will celebrate Anne's life alongside her family and members of the public who would like to pay their respects to the actress who brought so much joy into everyone's lives as Deirdre Barlow," said her family and the show's producers in a statement.
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Anne Kirkbride
© Steve Searle/WENN.com
Meanwhile, Coronation Street bosses are consulting with Kirkbride's family as they make plans for her iconic character Deirdre to have a fitting send-off later this year.
More recently, it has been revealed that Kirkbride's name will remain on her dressing room door at Coronation Street's studios as a permanent tribute to her.
Coronation Street bosses finalise Deirdre Barlow exit storyline
Coronation Street bosses have finalised plans to provide Anne Kirkbride's iconic character Deirdre Barlow with a fitting send-off later this year.
Kirkbride passed away in a Manchester hospital in January following a short illness.
The soap's bosses have been consulting with Kirkbride's family as they planned a suitable farewell for the character, who was first introduced on the show in 1972.
Coronation Street has now confirmed that the storyline had been decided, telling the Sunday Mirror: "We have finalised details for a plot explaining *Deirdre's departure, which will be screened in the summer."
Speaking to us last month, Coronation Street's executive producer Kieran Roberts commented: "We absolutely will say farewell to Deirdre in the show.
"Anne's death was a huge tragedy and everybody who worked with her just loved her to bits - she was a very special woman. What's really important is that the first thing we have to do is respect Anne and her family.
"We're talking to her family about lots of things and when we feel we've done that, we will be planning to say farewell to the character of Deirdre as well. I'm sure we will do justice to that amazing, iconic character later in the year."
A memorial service for Kirkbride will take place on Sunday, May 30 at Manchester Cathedral to allow friends, family and fans to pay their respects to the actress.
It has also been revealed that Anne Kirkbride's name will stay on her dressing room door as a permanent tribute to the Coronation Street star.
tammyy2j
12-04-2015, 22:10
Deirdre has not been even mentioned on screen for a while, she would be calling Tracey, Amy and Ken frequently or even Liz too
Ken now seems taken up with his "novel potential romance" with Audrey and Tracey her affair with Tony and trying to take over the pub and who is minding Eccles
tammyy2j
12-04-2015, 22:10
.
I think they will pair Ken with Audrey after the Summer
I think they will pair Ken with Audrey after the Summer
outrageously disrespectful!!!
I know but Ken and Roy are very different people. Maybe not so quickly but i cannot understand why they are having these scenes with Audrey unless its leading to something
I know but Ken and Roy are very different people. Maybe not so quickly but i cannot understand why they are having these scenes with Audrey unless its leading to something
I do think that might happen in the future but I doubt the Corrie team are even contemplating it so soon after Anne's death.
I know but Ken and Roy are very different people. Maybe not so quickly but i cannot understand why they are having these scenes with Audrey unless its leading to something
weren't roy and ken good book buddies no scenes now of them
I know but Ken and Roy are very different people. Maybe not so quickly but i cannot understand why they are having these scenes with Audrey unless its leading to something
weren't roy and ken good book buddies no scenes now of them
Corrie bosses plan emotional funeral for Deirdre Barlow -
Coronation Street bosses are planning a big, emotional funeral for Anne Kirkbride’s character Deirdre Barlow.
Ever since the iconic actress’ death the soap’s writing team having been trying to come up with a fitting exit for her much-loved character.
But while the exact cause of Deirdre’s death has yet to be revealed, it has been confirmed that she will have a big Weatherfield funeral.
A source told the Sun: “It will the equivalent to a state funeral in soap terms. All the current cast will be there and there may be some old favourites brought back to pay their respects.
“Filming it will be incredibly tough for the actors. They were all so close to her as a person that they’ll be thinking of her - and her passing - on the day.”
I wonder which old favourites will be back for the funeral
maidmarian
17-04-2015, 07:45
I wonder which old favourites will be back for the funeral
Quite a few I should think- who have worked
with Anne over many years actor who played
Billy Walker- perhaps Mavis- Bev.
Not the fraudulent pilot!!
Sadly a lot of the older actors have died since
character last appeared.
I did wonder if the screen funeral might be
a reason for Robert Preston coming back -
as Dierdre seemed to like him.
maidmarian
17-04-2015, 07:45
Dupl
I thought that but the bit that is confusing is his wife joins him later on
maidmarian
17-04-2015, 21:19
I thought that but the bit that is confusing is his wife joins him later on
Thats probably to add more drama after
his "re-union" with Tracy!!
Dont think Tracy has ever been interested
in any man who wasnt someone elses and
Tracy and Robert have been divorced since
approx 2003- he could have been married
to second wife quite a while!
Did say they were still casting for Nu Robert
tho and SW might be a bit young to play
character.
If first appearance is connected to Dierdres
death/funeral then that could be a few months
in future??
maidmarian
17-04-2015, 21:19
Dupl
Coronation Street legend Anne Kirkbride has been nominated for a British Soap Award – nearly four months after her tragic death.
Anne, who died from cancer aged 60 in January, is up for Scene of the Year for an episode in which her character Deirdre Barlow hurls a trifle against a wall.
A Corrie spokesman told the Mirror: “It’s a fitting and respectful tribute to Anne that she is nominated in this category.
"We’re proud of all our *Coronation Street nominees this year."
The nominated scene was among the last Anne filmed before she left the ITV soap in September after 44 years on the show, following her diagnosis.
In it she reaches breaking point after daughter-in-law Carla Connor (played by Alison King) and daughter Tracy (Kate Ford) argue over Carla’s reluctance to talk to imprisoned husband Peter on the phone.
Furious Deirdre hurls the trifle at a wall in anger before breaking down in the arms of husband Ken (William Roache).
He then suggests she goes to stay with pal Bev – a plotline filmed to allow Anne to take an anticipated three-month break from the show.
But sadly she was never to return to Weatherfield.
Corrie bosses will mark Anne’s death with an emotional on-screen funeral for Deirdre to be filmed later this year.
Sources say her husband David Beckett and their family have approved the plot.
A Coronation Street spokesman said: “We have finalised details for a plot explaining Deirdre’s departure, which will be screened in the summer.”
Anne joined the soap’s cast in 1972 and Deirdre was involved in several of its most gripping plots, including a love triangle with husband Ken and Mike Baldwin.
She also sparked a “Free The *Weatherfield One” campaign in 1998 after her character was wrongly jailed for fraud.
The 17th annual British Soap Awards take place in Manchester on May 16.
:cheer:
I think some of her other scenes are far better which show her comedy timing. She was really funny and whoever wrote her scripts was great. I really liked how they reinvented Deirdre after her mother died. Did she ever get a lifetime award?
maidmarian
27-04-2015, 18:58
I think some of her other scenes are far better which show her comedy timing. She was really funny and whoever wrote her scripts was great. I really liked how they reinvented Deirdre after her mother died. Did she ever get a lifetime award?
Anne was ill for sometime and then sadly
died in the Awards year- presume this ends
in march 2015 - they would only have scenes
from a few months to pickfrom and it would
have been one of last she filmed.
Didnt get Lifetime Award. There were calls for
a posthumous one -after her death. Perhaps
one may be awarded at the ceremony??
maidmarian
27-04-2015, 18:58
Dupl
she will be getting a posthumous one at the ceremony.
Anne Kirkbride's Coronation Street send-off has been revealed - and it's emotional
Viewers will see grieving daughter Tracy Barlow fall for ex-husband Robert, played by Casualty’s Tristan Gemmill, after he shows up at Deirdre’s funeral
Coronation Street has revealed its plans for Deirdre Barlow’s final farewell.
Viewers will see grieving daughter Tracy Barlow fall for ex-husband Robert, played by Casualty’s Tristan Gemmill, after he shows up at Deirdre’s funeral.
But what Tracy doesn’t know is that Robert, who she wed in 1996, is still married to his second wife.
The scenes, which air in July, lay Deirdre to rest after actress Anne Kirkbride, 60, died of cancer in January.
She played the role for 42 years.
Corrie bosses have worked with Anne’s family on the send-off.
Husband David Beckett approved the plot saying it is “fit for a legend”.
Chris Gascoyne, who played stepson Peter, will also return for the funeral.
Tristan, 47, said: “I’m excited to join the show.
"Coronation Street is a great British institution and it will be a huge challenge to meet the expectations of its devoted audience.
"But it is a challenge I am really looking forward to.”
Landing a job in the Bistro, it looks like Robert’s visit to Weatherfield won’t be a fleeting one.
And producer Stuart *Blackburn said: “Tristan will bring gravitas to the role.”
The funeral, which will go out on screen in July, will be the cast’s chance to say goodbye to Anne, who lost her battle with cancer in January.
Most didn’t attend her funeral as it was kept family affair with just a few of Anne’s co-stars and close friends.
Susie Blake is making an emotional return to Coronation Street for Deirdre Barlow's funeral episodes.
The actress will reprise her role as Bev Unwin as show producers give Anne Kirkbride's iconic character a fitting send-off.
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Susie Blake
© Rex Features / Dan Wooller
Susie Blake
A Coronation Street spokesperson confirmed the news to Digital Spy today (May 12) and fans can expect to see Bev back on screen in the summer.
On screen in Corrie's storylines, Deirdre has been away staying with Bev since October. She originally left to escape the pressures of her stepson Peter Barlow's murder trial, but decided to stay on for longer to support her friend after Bev's brother passed away.
Kirkbride died in January at the age of 60 following a short illness. Coronation Street producers have since confirmed their plans to write out her character, as sad news will reach the cobbles in the summer that Deirdre has passed away.
Blake played the role of Bev between 2003 and 2006 and was one of many Corrie stars to pay tribute to Kirkbride following her passing.
Speaking in January, Blake commented: "[Anne] made everybody feel part of the family. She was the one who got everyone together, made them laugh, raised the temperature.
"If you went on location, she'd get out the chairs and she'd be sunbathing, making you laugh and taking inappropriate photographs of people who were snoring in deckchairs when they should have been learning their lines!
"She was absolutely key to keeping everybody's energy up on a long day - at a funeral or at a wedding, or any occasion where the whole cast were there and we were all a bit down in the doldrums because it was a long day."
Chris Gascoyne has also confirmed that he will be returning as Peter for the upcoming on-screen funeral.
Late actress Anne Kirkbride will be honoured at this year's British Soap Awards.
The iconic Coronation Street star who played Deirdre Barlow for more than 40 years will be remembered posthumously at this Saturday's (May 16) ceremony.
Her on-screen husband William Roache and close friend Bev Callard will hand the Outstanding Achievement award out on the night, which will be collected by real-life husband David Beckett.
It will be the first time that the British Soap Awards has handed out the Outstanding Achievement gong after the recipient has died.
Kirkbride could also win Scene Of The Year for when Deirdre threw her trifle at the wall.
Coronation Street bosses recently finalised plans to provide Deirdre with a fitting send-off later this year.
On screen in Corrie's storylines, Deirdre has been away staying with Bev Unwin since October. She originally left to escape the pressures of her stepson Peter Barlow's murder trial, but decided to stay on for longer to support her friend after Bev's brother passed away.
Susie Blake, who played Bev between 2003 and 2006, will return for Deirdre's funeral, as will Chris Gascoyne in his role as Peter.
Coronation Street will air emotional scenes later this year that will see Deirdre Barlow's loved ones learn that she has passed away.
Anne Kirkbride, who played Deirdre for more than 40 years died in January following a short illness.
Coronation Street producers have since officially confirmed their plans to write out her character with sensitivity, and the sad news of Deirdre's passing will reach the cobbles over the summer.
New details have revealed how Deirdre's family will learn she has died after they throw a party for her to welcome her back to Weatherfield.
Deirdre was last seen on screen in October 2014 when she decided to escape the pressures of home life, in order to spend some time with her friend Bev Unwin.
Heartbreaking scenes will see Bev break the news that Deirdre has died after suffering a suspected brain aneurysm, The Sun reports.
It was previously confirmed that Susie Blake would be reprising her role as Bev for the storyline.
Bev will go on to explain that Deirdre died "peacefully" in her garden after packing her bags to return to Weatherfield. As Deirdre's friends and family sob, Bev will present her wedding ring to husband Ken (Bill Roache) in a final poignant gesture.
The scenes were filmed earlier this week and reportedly reduced several members of the cast and crew to tears.
It was announced earlier today that Kirkbride will be honoured at this year's British Soap Awards.
Her on-screen husband William Roache and close friend Bev Callard will present the Outstanding Achievement award in memory of the iconic actress, and it will be collected by her real-life husband David Beckett.
Deirdre Barlow dies on her birthday.
Deirdre Barlow is going to pass away on the day she was due to return to Weartherfield to celebrate her birthday.
Ken and Tracy Barlow arrange a party at the Rovers and eagerly await Deirdre’s return.
But instead of her walking through their front door, it’s her friend Bev Unwin, who breaks the devastating news that she’s dead. Bev explains how she died of a suspected aneurysm while sat in her garden enjoying some sunshine before she headed back to the cobbles.
Bosses have made sure that Deirdre’s death was a peaceful one as Bev assures her devastated husband that she didn’t suffer. She will tell Ken that it looked like she went to sleep and never woke up, and she will reveal how she was in a peaceful place with the birds singing and the sun on her face.
The news comes as a bombshell to Ken and Tracy who will be seen reacting very differently to her death.
While Tracy breaks down and howls in pain, Ken is stunned into silence. They are sure to be emotional scenes that will leave fans across the country in tears.
There will be even more tears at the weekend’s British Soap Awards as Anne Kirkbride is set to win the lifetime achievement award which Bev Callard will present to her husband.
tammyy2j
14-05-2015, 14:16
How is Tracy allowed back in the Rovers?
How is Tracy allowed back in the Rovers?
her bad deeds will be forgot and forgiven over deirdre's death
How is Tracy allowed back in the Rovers?
her bad deeds will be forgot and forgiven over deirdre's death
A public Memorial Service for Anne Kirkbride will take place at Manchester Cathedral on Saturday 30 May 2015.
Respected and much loved by all who came into contact with her, Anne played Coronation Street’s Deirdre Barlow over a 40-year period, and passed away in January this year. Anne’s character first appeared on our TV screens in November 1972 and entertained us each week appearing in over 3,300 episodes. Anne’s final appearance on the programme was in October 2014.
The Cathedral’s Sub Dean, Philip Barratt, will conduct the public service with hymns performed by Manchester Cathedral choir. There will also be readings and tributes by members of the cast including William Roache MBE, Beverley Callard and Elle Mulvaney and Executive Producer, Kieran Roberts together with members of the Coronation Street Production Team.
Anne’s husband Dave Beckett has helped the Coronation Street production team produce the service and has been involved in every aspect of the celebration including the choice of music and readings. The service will be a celebration of Anne’s private and public life with colleagues and members of the public paying their respects. Anne’s passion and verve for life will be present throughout the service.
Photographic images of the actress in her role as Deirdre and photographs taken with her real life family will be on display. An exhibition of artwork which Anne photographed and painted throughout her life will also be on view.
The Manchester Cathedral choir, singing The Lord’s My Shepherd, Hills of the North Rejoice and How Lovely are thy Dwellings, will be conducted by Christopher Stokes, Organist and Master of the Choristers, at Manchester Cathedral.
Musical accompaniment will be provided by Roman Lytwynlw on the violin and James Ellis on the piano. Both are members of the Chetham’s School of Music.
Classical Tenor, Tom Spence, will perform Lucio Dalla’s Caruso during the service. Merseyside based Tom has supported Russell Watson on tour and will be performing at the 2015 International Mersey River Festival in June.
Members of the public are invited to attend the service and join with Anne’s family and the Coronation Street cast and crew in the celebration of Anne’s life.
Coronation Street boss Stuart Blackburn has spoken about Deirdre Barlow's emotional exit storyline, describing the episodes as "magnificent" and "fitting".
Anne Kirkbride, who played Deirdre for more than 40 years, died in January following a short illness, and bosses have recently confirmed the details of the storyline that will see her character written out with sensitivity.
Speaking at a Coronation Street press event today (May 22), Blackburn said: "The scripts are magnificent, they are really, really magnificent.
"Yes, it is an upsetting experience for all of us for obvious reasons, but I think it is a really fitting tribute to Deirdre.
"The episodes do what these [fire episodes] do. There are tears, there is hurt, there are big issues, but there is humour there - real, real humour. Lock-in back at The Rovers after the funeral is great stuff."
Blackburn also confirmed that Bev Unwin and Peter Barlow will be the only two former characters returning to Weatherfield for Deirdre's funeral.
Susie Blake and Chris Gascoyne have agreed to reprise their roles for the emotional episodes, which will start after Bev arrives on the cobbles to tell Deirdre's loved ones that she has passed away after suffering a suspected brain aneurysm.
Looks like fire amd Deirdre's passing leads to a character change with Tracy. That would be a good tribute to Deirdre. She always wanted Tracy to be a much better person. But does that mean Tracy gets away with killing people?
parkerman
23-05-2015, 08:10
But does that mean Tracy gets away with killing people?
Nothing new there then. :lol:
Deirdre Barlow's ghost is to appear in Coronation Street while Steve McDonald and his new wife Michelle are discussing her passing.
According to The Sun, the late soap stalwart's presence will feature on the show when the pub doors blow open as the couple are talking about Deirdre, who was played by Anne Kirkbride, who died in January after portraying the matriarch for 42 years.
Corrie bosses are said to have used a wind machine to achieve the special effect.
An insider told the publication: "It will be a really spooky moment because it will seem like Deirdre is making her presence felt from beyond the grave.
“Michelle and Steve are talking about her, sharing their memories and their shock at her death, when suddenly the doors swing open with a huge crash.”
Steve (Simon Gregson) and Michelle (Kym Marsh) are set to tie the knot in tonight's episode, but Deirdre's daughter Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford), Steve's ex, is due to wreak havoc.
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Anne Kirkbride played Deirdre Barlow in Coronation StreetDeirdre Barlow and Ken Barlow in Coronation Street
Corrie is airing a week of dramatic 9pm episodes which will see a fire rip through Victoria Court.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Deirdre's family will discover she has died from a suspected brain aneurysm while preparing to hold a welcome home party for her in the Rovers.
She will die "peacefully" in her garden after getting ready to head back to the cobbles.
Deirdre has been staying with her longtime friend Bev Unwin (Susie Blake) who will return to Weatherfield to break the devastating news to Deirdre's husband Ken Barlow (Bill Roache), just as he is making the finishing touches to her party in the Rovers.
Anne's husband David Beckett is said to have given his approval to the heart-wrenching scenes, which will sees Deirdre's daughter Tracy in tears.
This comes after it was revealed a public memorial service for Anne is to take place at Manchester Cathedral on Saturday May 30, which will see Bill and Beverley Callard (Liz McDonald) lead tributes to the legendary actress.
What's more, Anne was recognised with an Outstanding Achievement Award at the British Soap Awards earlier this month.
Mirror TV have contacted Coronation Street for further comment.
That's the most ridiculous storyline I've heard for a long time! Why would Deirdre's ghost appear to Steve and Michelle anyway?? They were not that close and Deidre never owned the pub or anything..It would be more fitting-and really beautiful-if she appeared to Ken..or Tracy. Don't understand this at all..
Why would Deirdre's ghost appear to Steve and Michelle anyway??
That was exactly my thought when I read it. Bizarre! http://www.picgifs.com/smileys/smileys-and-emoticons/confused/smileys-confused-630530.gif (http://www.picgifs.com/smileys/)
Because they are talking about her when she does, I suppose they come back from honeymoon to hear the sad news, normal to discuss it as Deirdre was Liz's best friend. But it would have made more sense if the ghost had appeared when Ken and Tracy or Amy discuss her .. http://www.picgifs.com/smileys/smileys-and-emoticons/yes-and-no/smileys-yes-and-no-179998.gif (http://www.picgifs.com/smileys/)
Or to Norris as Amy was scaring him with Blanche! :D :D
tammyy2j
27-05-2015, 15:20
Because they are talking about her when she does, I suppose they come back from honeymoon to hear the sad news, normal to discuss it as Deirdre was Liz's best friend. But it would have made more sense if the ghost had appeared when Ken and Tracy or Amy discuss her .. http://www.picgifs.com/smileys/smileys-and-emoticons/yes-and-no/smileys-yes-and-no-179998.gif (http://www.picgifs.com/smileys/)
Or even Liz and Eileen, her good friends
Coronation Street bosses build a graveyard from scratch to film Deirdre Barlow's upcoming funeral
Coronation Street has built a whole graveyard from scratch in order to film the funeral of Deirdre Barlow.
A large security team will be in place for a total of four days throughout production - but fans won't be able to visit the graveyard as it won't exist in future.
The set includes authentic-looking headstones and the use of professional gravediggers at Arley Hall stately home in Cheshire, where shooting will take place.
Deirdre's departure will be addressed in scenes airing later this month when her on-screen husband Ken (William Roache) will be told that she has died of a suspected brain aneurysm.
The funeral comes following the death of actress Anne Kirkbride, who played Deirdre for 40 years, in January following a battle with cancer - her final scenes were aired in October.
Roache, 83, discussed filming the funeral of Anne's character Deirdre in an interview with Good Morning Britain on Friday.
He said: 'It is a family and doing the funeral that we're doing of Deirdre next week, Annie will be there, we're just feeling her there the whole time,' he told the show's hosts.
'I had a scene as Ken where I’m given Deirdre’s glasses, but of course Annie wore them for 30 years. So you certainly don’t need any motivation for the acting.
Adding: 'We’re always on the verge [of tears].'
The cast of Coronation Street held a memorial service for Anne at Manchester cathedral on Saturday, with her co-star William reading a poem out.
He also told GMB: 'I used to call her a love bomb because she exploded with love so she was a love bomb. She liked that.'
Anne previously took a break from the soap after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1993.
Ken and Audrey excitedly get everything ready for Deirdre's 60th Birthday party. But are devastated when Bev arrives to break the news that Deirdre has died. Ken, Tracy and Audrey can only look at her in stunned silence as Bev explains how she passed away.
In the Rovers, everyone's stunned by the tragic news, as they raise their glasses in a toast to Deirdre.
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loved how Deirdre helped with the Quiz before she dies
loved how Deirdre helped with the Quiz before she dies
and was very obvious which were her questions and which were Ken's
Deirdre's funeral will have humour, says scriptwriter Damon Rochefort
Coronation Street's team were left with the sad task of writing out a soap legend this year as Anne Kirkbride passed away after 42 years in the role of Deirdre Barlow.
Next week's episodes see Deirdre's husband Ken (Bill Roache) receive the terrible news that she has died suddenly, building up to an on-screen funeral for the iconic character which airs in a fortnight's time.
Here, Coronation Street scriptwriter Damon Rochefort - who penned the funeral episodes - offers a behind-the-scenes insight into the emotional scenes to come.
Even if you've never seen a single episode of Coronation Street, a pound to a penny says you've probably heard of Deirdre Barlow. So to the millions of fans who have followed the character through her 42 dramatic years on the show, the death of actress Annie Kirkbride earlier this year was shocking and tragic.
So when I was asked to write Deirdre's funeral episodes some months ago, I was touched and flattered, of course, but well aware of the level of anticipation from the show's fans that the character had the send-off she deserved.
Being a lifelong fan of the show myself, even if I'd never worked on Corrie, I'd want exactly the same thing. And it wouldn't be just the fans, either. Annie was a hugely popular cast member and it was important to me that our colleagues on the show also felt I was doing this iconic character justice. So too her husband David and all her friends and family who thought so much of this wonderful woman and the character she so brilliantly portrayed.
No pressure there, then.
A few years back, I wrote Deirdre's mother Blanche's funeral episode after the sad passing of actress Maggie Jones. In that episode, I wrote for Annie - as Deirdre - a eulogy for her mother which I'm relieved to say was incredibly well received, mainly because Annie delivered it so perfectly.
Now I had to do the same for Bill Roache as Ken, as he delivered a eulogy to his wife, taken from him far too early. Bill and Annie were incredibly close colleagues for 42 years, an on-screen husband and wife for many of them. How to fit all that history into a eulogy lasting a few minutes on screen?
And how would daughter Tracy react? A woman who has literally got away with murder and been the bane of many street residents' lives for years. Would the ice queen finally crack? And what of grandchildren Amy and Simon? Her best friends Liz and Eileen? Surrogate mum Emily? The wider community?
Another quandary when actors die unexpectedly is that we write scripts many months before transmission. The public knew Annie was dead. But on screen, in episodes written long before this shocking news, Deirdre was staying at her friend Bev's, a story we had used to cover Deirdre's absence on the show when Annie had been taken ill. Now she would never come back. The only task left was to give Deirdre a funeral with all the emotion and - this being Corrie, the humour - this iconic TV legend deserved.
One key when writing these episodes was Tracy. Deirdre was pretty much the only person who always forgave Tracy - the one person Tracy could turn to when she had alienated everybody else. How would this self-absorbed, callous character react when her lone supporter had gone?
The answer came, strangely through a song. When I was deciding which songs Deirdre would have at her funeral I spent an afternoon listening to many. And when I put on 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and heard the lines 'I'm on your side, when times get rough. And friends just can't be found…' I knew I had a wonderful scene. Tracy, weeping, staring at her mum's photo on her coffin, as the congregation sang these magically apt words which summed up Deirdre's unfaltering support of her daughter.
Then there was the humour. During Blanche's memorable time on the show, she famously used to go to strangers' funerals with her cohorts from the one o'clock club. It was one of her hobbies. At Blanche's funeral, the one o'clock club tipped up - led magnificently by June Whitfield - and provided some excellent light relief.
Why not have a gaggle of these old dears turn up at Deirdre's funeral too, in memory of Blanche and out of respect for her daughter? And why not cast a real choir as the one o'clock club members, so the songs would really raise the roof of the beautiful church we were going to shoot in?
For the rest, I'm afraid you'll have to watch the episodes. Us writers like to hold a few surprises back.
Coincidentally, we shot Deirdre's funeral scenes either side of the weekend of Annie's memorial in Manchester Cathedral. An emotional time then for cast and crew, these last couple of weeks, as they said goodbye to both Deirdre the character, and Annie their beloved colleague. So when you see the on-screen tears and emotion from cast members when Ken says his final goodbyes to Deirdre in these upcoming episodes, you can be assured of one thing - it won't all be acting.
Coronation Street begins Deirdre's exit storyline on Wednesday, July 8 at 7.30pm on ITV. :(
With Deirdre Barlow's on-screen death about to air, an official book focusing on the character has been announced.
Deirdre: A Life on Coronation Street will follow her over the 42 years Anne Kirkbride portrayed her on the cobbles.
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Anne Kirkbride as Deirdre Barlow in Coronation Street
© Rex Features
Anne Kirkbride as Deirdre Barlow
The book, published by Century, will include storyline details, never-before-seen photographs, trivia and behind-the-scene reminiscences.
Anne Kirkbride passed away in January after a short illness.
A memorial service was later held for her on May 30, where tributes were paid by cast and crew including Ken Barlow actor William Roache, Beverley Callard, Elle Mulvaney and executive producer Kieran Roberts
Deirdre: A Life on Coronation Street will be published in hardback on October 22, priced at £18.99.
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