Awards night tears

Date published: 21 January 2015


“CORONATION Street” star William Roache will lead the tributes to Anne Kirkbride as the world of broadcasting honours the late actress at the National Television Awards tonight.

He is due to take the stage to speak about her contribution to the show and share his memories at the ceremony, while colleagues are also expected to be in the audience at the O2 Arena in London.

Swiftly

As the soap’s Ken and Deirdre Barlow, the pair shared the screen for more than 40 years.

Following Anne’s death on Monday night, organisers of the event moved swiftly to reflect her pivotal role in the TV life of the nation in the awards event which is being screened by ITV.

Roache’s speech is expected to bring the audience to their feet — and tears to their eyes.

Filming is expected to resume on the cobbles today after it was suspended yesterday to give the cast and crew a chance to come to terms with Anne’s death.

Anne’s brother John Kirkbride said in a statement: “As a family we are still struggling to come to terms with the loss of my beautiful sister, Annie.

“She was the sort of person who brought light and laughter to everything she did, and she brought magic with her into the world.

“She was without doubt the most kind, generous and loving person I have ever known, and her death has left an empty space in our lives that will be very hard to fill.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has paid tribute to Annie in the press and on social media — it gave us a lot of comfort and made us feel very proud.

“Annie was loved by us all and was a big part of our lives, and she will be missed very much.”