'Coronation Street' bosses have planned a "heartbreaking" exit for Anne Kirkbride's character Deirdre Barlow.
Anne Kirkbride
The actress died in January, aged 60, after losing her battle with cancer and it's been revealed her character's 42-year association with the soap will conclude when Ken Barlow - played by Bill Roache - throws a surprise party for her, only to be told by Bev Unwin - played by Susie Blake - that Deirdre suffered a suspected brain aneurysm and died "peacefully" in her garden.
A show source said: "Filming this was emotional for everyone involved. Tracy (Barlow) just breaks down and howls as Steve (McDonald) comforts her, and Ken sits there in stunned silence.
"The scenes will be absolutely heartbreaking to watch."
Before filming, 'Coronation Street' bosses checked with Anne's husband David Beckett that he was happy with the storyline they'd written for the soap star's exit.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Bosses devoted a lot of time and effort to ensuring Deirdre's death was both sensitively explained and befitting a Corrie legend.
"They discussed the scenes with Anne's husband David to make sure he was happy with their plans - and he approved of them."
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