National Television Awards 2015: Anne Kirkbride to be honoured at ceremony in special tribute led by Bill Roache

Roache will speak about Kirkbride's contribution to the show and share his memories at the ceremony tonight

Coronation Street actors William Roache, who played Ken Barlow with Anne Kirkbride, who played Deirdre Barlow, on 25 February 2010

Coronation Street actor William Roache will lead the tributes to Anne Kirkbride as the world of broadcasting honours the late actress at the National Television Awards.

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

As the soap's Ken and Deirdre Barlow, they shared the screen for more than 40 years and remained friends despite the demise of their screen marriage.

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.

Coronation Street is likely to have a strong presence at the awards as the show is up for the best serial drama prize.

The ITV soap already holds the title at the publicly voted awards after winning last year. Kirkbride has not previously had an individual honour at the NTAs.

Filming is expected to resume on Coronation Street today after it was suspended for a day to give the cast and crew a chance to come to terms with Kirkbride's death.

PA