ILKESTON-BORN actor William Roache has paid tribute to his on-screen wife, Coronation Street star, Anne Kirkbride, who has died.
Her death after a short illness was announced on Monday night.
The 60-year-old star played popular and long-running character Deirdre Barlow in the ITV soap for more than 40 years.
Mr Roache played her on-screen husband Ken and the two characters were widely regarded as two of the best-known and most loved in British soap history.
In a statement given to digitalspy.co.uk, Mr Roache said: "I feel Anne's loss so personally having worked closely with her for over 40 years. She was such a loving and vibrant person. You always knew she was there because her laugh was never far away.
"She was an impeccable performer with superb comedy timing and an immense gift for really heightened drama.
"We had some rows over the years as Ken and Deirdre and it was wonderful to play those scenes opposite her.
"Coronation Street has lost one of its iconic characters and Anne will be greatly missed."
Anne made her first appearance in Coronation Street in a small role as Deirdre, with the character's prominence being expanded in 1974.
A statement on the Coronation Street website said: "It is with great sadness that David Beckett has confirmed tonight that his beloved wife and Coronation Street actress Anne Kirkbride has passed away peacefully in a Manchester hospital after a short illness.
"David and the programme's cast and crew are heartbroken and deeply saddened at the loss of Anne who has been a Coronation Street icon for 44 years."
Ken and Deirdre had rows and affairs during the show and the love-triangle storyline with fellow Coronation Street character Mike Baldwin kept Coronation Street fans glued to their seats.
Coronation Street's executive producer, Kieran Roberts, told the Daily Mirror: "There are no words to describe the sense of grief we feel at Anne's passing.
"We know only too acutely how much Anne meant to the millions of people who watched her create the legendary character of Deirdre Barlow.
"She will be greatly missed by the Coronation Street team who share happy memories of working with her.
"We feel blessed and honoured to have known her."
Fans of the show took to the Derby Telegraph's Facebook page to pay tribute.
Emma Edges said: "RIP, so sad my thoughts and love to friends and family."
Kevin Pierpoint said: "Such a great actress. She didn't get the credit she deserved in that role! Very, very sad."
Anne is survived by her husband, David, her brother John, and his family.
