KEITH Duffy has been among the Irish stars to lead tributes to the Coronation Street legend Anne Kirkbride, who died yesterday at the age of 60.
The actor and Boyzone singer described Anne, who played Deirdre Barlow in the popular soap, as ‘a great character’ and ‘great to work with’.
Writing on Twitter he added: “I’m so sad to hear the very sad news of the passing of Annie Kilbride aka Deirdre Barlow. RIP.”
Anne played the colourful character Deirdre Barlow for 44 years, but passed away yesterday following a short illness.
Tributes have been pouring in for the actress, known for her trademark husky voice and glasses.
She leaves a legacy and family behind on the Street in the form of onscreen husband Ken and daughter Tracey.
Manchester-based Coronation Street has been one of Ireland’s best loved soaps for many years.
Latest figures saw episodes rake in an average of 545,000 viewers across the country at its new home on UTV Ireland.
Many of Anne’s colleagues and fans alike took to social media to express their sadness at her sudden and unexpected death.
Im so sad to hear the very sad news of the passing of Annie Kilbride AKA Deirdre Barlow, She was a great character Great to work with R.I.P.
— KEITH DUFFY(ff)RCSI (@officialkeith) January 19, 2015
So terribly sad to hear about Anne Kirkbride. Met her a few times; a very funny, charming woman & a tv legend. Thoughts are with her family. — JasonManford (@JasonManford) January 19, 2015
Anne Kirkbride RIP. A part of our lives whether you knew her or not. She created such an iconic character. pic.twitter.com/psCnxCPb43 — Paddy McGuinness (@PaddyMcGuinness) January 19, 2015
So very sad to hear of death of Anne Kirkbride - Thoughts with her husband and family and everyone who loved her. Corrie legend. — Lorraine (@reallorraine) January 19, 2015
