Anne Kirkbride: Coronation Street stars attend memorial of much-loved Deirdre Barlow actress

Kirbride was remembered in a service at Manchester Cathedral on Saturday

Coronation Street actress Anne Kirkbride (Getty)

A public memorial service has been held at Manchester Cathedral for the late Coronation Street star Anne Kirkbride.

The popular actress played the role of Deirdre Barlow on the soap for more than four decades, sharing most of that time with her on-screen husband Ken Barlow, played by William Roache. She passed away in January from cancer, aged 60.

Roache led tributes to his co-star at the service conducted by the Cathedral's subdean, Philip Barratt. Beverley Callard (Liz McDonald), Elle Mulvaney (Amy Barlow) and executive producer Kieran Roberts also gave readings.

Sue Nicholls arriving for the memorial service (PA)

Kirkbride’s husband David Beckett assisted Coronation Street’s production team with almost every aspect of the memorial.

Michael Le Vell and Louise Gibbons arriving for the memorial service (PA)

Photographs of Kirkbride were also put on display alongside an exhibition of the artwork she produced throughout her life.

Additional reporting by PA