Coronation Street cast bid farewell to Anne Kirkbride at Manchester memorial service
CORONATION STREET fans, cast and crew say an emotional farewell to Anne Kirkbride today.
Coronation Street cast and fans unite to say their goodbyes to Anne Kirkbride
The actress, who played the role of Deirdre Barlow in the much-loved soap for 43 years, was honoured this morning with a memorial service, held at 11.30am at Manchester Cathedral.
Cast and crew including Helen Worth, Michelle Collins, William Roache and Beverley Callard were pictured arriving at the venue earlier today ahead of the emotional ceremony.
Fans of Anne and Coronation Street have been queuing up since dawn in a bid to get into the church to pay their respects, alongside some of her nearest and dearest.
Photographs of the actress, who sadly died in January after a battle with cancer, line the inside service booklet, with images varying from private photos to screenshots of her work.
William Roache arrives at Anne Kirkbride memorial
Beverley Callard is seen arriving at Manchester Cathedral
Michelle Collins arrives at the church alone
The Cathedral's Sub Dean, Philip Barratt, conducted the service with hymns performed by Manchester Cathedral choir.
There were also readings and tributes by members of the cast including William Roache, Beverley Callard and executive producer Kieran Roberts.
Anne's on screen granddaughter Elle Mulvaney (Amy Barlow) also read out a piece that she'd written herself.
Part of the youngster's speech read: "Today as I stand here, I’m not just remembering my on screen grandma.
"I’m also remembering my friend. Annie was caring, lovable and funny."
Helen Worth is seen arriving at emotional memorial
Anne Kirkbride through the years
Anne's on-screen husband William Roache said ahead of the service that the memorial would be full of laughter as well as tears.
"There was always a laugh waiting from Annie, whatever we were doing.
"The more serious it was, the more likely there was going to be a laugh and tomorrow at her memorial service there'll be laughter.
"That's what she wants, she was a fun-loving person, she grabbed life, she loved life," he said during an interview with Good Morning Britain.
Anne Kirkbride sadly died in January after a battle with cancer