For over four decades, her gravelly voice, oversized glasses, and a penchant for both drama and a good laugh made her a national institution. Anne Kirkbride, the beloved actress who brought the character of Deirdre Barlow to life on Coronation Street, passed away in January 2015 at the age of 60. Her death, following a short illness, sent shockwaves through the cast, crew, and millions of fans, who felt as though they had lost a member of their own family.
The On-Screen Loss: The task of writing out a character so ingrained in the fabric of a show is a difficult one, but Coronation Street producers chose to handle Deirdre’s exit with a storyline that mirrored the real-world tragedy. The character was said to be away visiting a friend, Bev Unwin, to cope with her on-screen husband Ken Barlow’s absence. While Deirdre was off-screen, a new storyline was developed to explain her permanent departure.
The emotional climax of the story aired , when Ken Barlow and his daughter Tracy received a devastating phone call from Bev. She delivered the heartbreaking news that Deirdre had passed away from a suspected aneurysm on her 60th birthday. The scenes that followed were raw with emotion, as Ken and Tracy were left to deal with the overwhelming loss. This storyline paid tribute to Kirkbride by allowing the audience to share in the grief of her on-screen family.
A Triumphant Legacy: Anne Kirkbride first appeared as Deirdre Hunt in a one-off episode in 1972 and quickly became a regular cast member. Over her 42 years on the show, she became an iconic figure, known for her tumultuous relationship with Ken Barlow and her famous love triangle with Ken and Mike Baldwin, a storyline that captivated the nation in the early 1980s. Her character was so beloved that a 1998 storyline, which saw her wrongly imprisoned, prompted real-life headlines and a national “Free the Weatherfield One” campaign, with politicians even commenting on the case.
Heartfelt Tributes: The tributes from her fellow cast members were a testament to her impact both on and off-screen. William Roache, who played her on-screen husband Ken Barlow, described Kirkbride as “blessed” to have worked with her for so long. He spoke of her infectious humor and ability to make him “corpse” (break character with laughter) during filming. In an interview, he said, “She was always full of fun—she was this lovely, funny, vibrant person who enjoyed life and always found the humour in everything. I loved her dearly and she loved me.”
The cast and crew attempted to film the day after her death was announced, but they were unable to continue. The overwhelming grief on the set was a powerful indicator of how much she meant to everyone. Her memorial service was a tribute to both Anne and her beloved character, complete with a touching moment where the EastEnders theme tune was played, a joke about the show’s long-running rivalry that brought a laugh to the mourners.
Anne Kirkbride’s legacy extends beyond her acting. She used her platform to raise awareness for mental health, sharing her own struggles with depression. Her iconic glasses and down-to-earth persona made her a symbol of the show’s enduring appeal. While her character Deirdre may be gone, the impact of Anne Kirkbride’s work and her unforgettable presence will forever be a part of Coronation Street history.
