Coronation Street fans were left sharing emotional messages as ITV shared what was the final appearance of Deirdre Barlow in Weatherfield, which ended up being an iconic scene in the long-running show.
Anne Kirkbride's Legacy
Actress Anne Kirkbride played the popular character in the ITV soap for 42 years. She made her first appearance on November 20, 1972, and her final episode aired on October 8, 2014. She was given extended leave from Corrie and was due to return after three months, but only her loving husband David Beckett, her family and a few close friends knew the real reason for her absence from the Street. She then died in 2015 aged 60 after a short illness, her husband confirmed at the time.
Tributes from Co-Stars
Among those to pay tribute was William Roache, who played her husband Ken Barlow. He 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."
The Final Scene
Now, ITV has reminded Corrie fans of Anne's last stint as Deirdre in the beloved programme, by sharing a clip of when the iconic character reached breaking point during a tense family row, which came amid her stepson Peter Barlow's murder trial. Deirdre's daughter-in-law, Carla Connor, and her daughter, Tracy, argued over Carla's reluctance to speak to her imprisoned husband, Peter, on the phone. The dinner culminated in her angrily hurling a trifle at the wall, crying out: "Jelly shouldn't run. It should wobble!" before breaking down in the arms of her husband, Ken.
Fan Reactions
The memorable scene has now been shared on Instagram by ITV with the caption: "Rule #1 of Weatherfield: Never, under any circumstances, say yes to a dinner party #Corrie #CoronationStreet." And the messages soon came flooding in. @joebleasdalereal said: "Such an iconic way to go - RIP Anne Kirkbride." @frankhamjoanne8 commented: "So love Anne Kirkbride. Incredible actress and beautiful person. Will always miss her." @nick.lewis08 replied: "A fitting final appearance. Wonderful character and lovely person." @bradpittinmydreams added: "Great woman, Anne. Took far, far too soon."
