Anne Kirkbride will be remembered at a memorial service on 30 May. The memorial will take place at Manchester Cathedral, in the actress's home city, and will be attended by many of her Coronation Street co-stars, friends, family and members of the public. "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," read a statement from the soap's producers that was released on Friday.
© Photo: PAWilliam Roache, who played Anne's on-screen husband Ken Barlow, will attend the memorial service
The service will take place from 11:30 am and Corrie stars William Roache, who played Anne's on-screen husband Ken Barlow, and her long-time friend Beverley Callard, who stars as Liz McDonald, have already confirmed their attendance. Anne, who had played Corrie favourite Deirdre Barlow for 42 years, died at the age of 60 on 19 January following a short battle with breast cancer. Oldham-born Anne first joined the cast as Deirdre Hunt in 1972 and went on to have many high-profile storylines during her four decades on the show. Anne's character was also married four times in the programme, twice to Ken.
© Photo: ITVAnne played Deirdre Barlow on Coronation Street for 42 years
Earlier this month it was announced that Deirdre will be honoured with an on-screen tribute later in the year. "She was a wonderful woman, and a wonderful actress," said Kieran Roberts, the show's executive producer. "We all miss her terribly. "At the moment, we're respecting her memory. We're talking to her family and respecting the family's wishes, but what I can tell fans of the show is that we will be saying farewell to the character on screen later this year." The producer added that while "the exact plans are not yet finalised" the Corrie cast "will be able to say a farewell to Deirdre."
