Coronation Street viewers will learn tonight of the tragic death of one of the show's longest-running characters, Deirdre Barlow, played by the late actress Anne Kirkbride (left).
In a heartbreaking scene, Deirdre's husband Ken, daughter Tracy and neighbour Audrey are told of the devastating news by her friend Bev. Her death is announced later to the rest of Weatherfield's residents at a party planned for her homecoming at the Rovers Return.
Kirkbride, who played Deirdre for 42 years, died in January aged 60.