Coronation Street actress Anne Kirkbride - who played Deirdre Barlow - has died aged 60 after a short illness and tributes have been pouring in for the star.
William Roache, who played her on-screen husband Ken Barlow, was one of the first to pay tribute to Kirkbride saying, "Coronation Street has lost one of its iconic characters and Anne will be greatly missed."
A statement on the ITV website said her husband and the programme's cast and crew are "heartbroken and deeply saddened".
Executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "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. We feel blessed and honoured to have known her. Our thoughts are with David and their family."
Kate Ford, who plays Deirdre's daughter Tracy Barlow in Coronation Street, said she is "heartbroken".
Check out some of the most memorable Deirdre Barlow moments here:
Have just heard the news about Anne Kirkbride. Terribly sad, and so, so sudden.
— Maïa Dunphy (@MaiaDunphy) January 20, 2015Stil in mourning of the loss of Anne Kirkbride xxx
— Agnes Brown (@AgnesBrownTV) January 20, 2015Very sad to hear that Anne Kirkbride has passed away. I very much liked this lady and will remember our little chats.
— Helen Flanagan (@helenflanagan1) January 20, 2015Such sad, shocking news about Anne Kirkbride. She's been a part of my TV viewing all my life. Thoughts with her family & friends. #RIPAnne
— Jenni Falconer (@Jennifalconer) January 20, 2015Rest in peace Anne Kirkbride. Shocked and saddened to hear of her untimely death.
— Barry Elliott (@BazElliott) January 20, 2015So 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, 2015Just heard the very sad news of Anne Kirkbride. Much love to her family & friends. Xxx
— Vicky McClure (@Vicky_McClure) January 19, 2015Sad sad news about Anne Kirkbride- A Coronation Street Legend. Soaps wouldn't be around if wasn't for people like Anne. God Bless. X
— Natalie Cassidy (@Nat_Cassidy) January 19, 2015Home and so very sad to hear that Anne Kirkbride has passed away #RIPAnneKirkbride at such a young age #deirdrebarlow xx
— Carol Vorderman (@carolvorders) January 19, 2015So very sad to hear the news of Anne Kirkbride passing away. Grew up with Corrie,she was an absolute TV legend. Thoughts with her family xxx
— Jessica Taylor (@JessicaLibertyX) January 19, 2015Just heard the sad news about Anne Kirkbride. She and Corrie created one of TV's greatest ever characters. Classy, iconic and legendary. RIP
— DomTreadwellCollins (@dominictc) January 19, 2015RIP Deirdre/Anne Kirkbride, I spent hours watching coronation street with my nan(s) as a kid. X http://t.co/o3VgD3RdaK
— Professor Green (@professorgreen) January 19, 2015Check o
