British Soap Awards to honour late Coronation Street actress Anne Kirkbride

Coronation Street legend Anne Kirkbride will be remembered at the British Soap Awards on Saturday.

The actress played the iconic role of Deirdre Barlow in the soap for 42 years, until she died from cancer in January at the age of 60.

The ceremony will honour Kirkbride with an Outstanding Achievement Award, making her the first personality to be awarded posthumously at the event. Screen hubby William Roache and close friend Beverley Callard will present the gong to Kirkbride’s husband David Beckett.

“We’re delighted such a well loved and respected actress is being honoured with this outstanding achievement award. Anne created such an iconic soap character who was part of our lives for over 4 decades.” – ITV

Kirkbride’s final scene in the saga (below) – which aired in October 2014 – has also been nominated for Scene of the Year. It saw an irate Deirdre hurl a trifle at the Barlow’s living room wall after complaining that the jelly hadn’t set.

In the current storylines, Deirdre has been staying with friend Bev Unwin (Susie Blake) since October. Scenes to be screened over the summer will see Bev show up at Deirdre’s homecoming party on the street to inform her family that she has passed away.

Chris Gascoyne, who played Deirdre’s stepson Peter, is also returning to the ITV serial for the emotional storyline.