Coronation Street star Bill Roache will lead the tributes to Anne Kirkbride at the National Television Awards tonight (January 21). This evenings event at Londons O2 will honour Kirkbride following the sad news that she has passed away at the age of 60. After 42 years as Deirdre Barlow on the ITV soap, NTA organisers were naturally keen for Kirkbrides long career to be recognised at the ceremony. When the events producers entered talks with ITV and Coronation Street yesterday, it was decided that Roache - better known on screen as Deirdres husband Ken - should take to the stage and make a speech about the much-loved star. Coronation Streets producer Stuart Blackburn told Granada Reports: Bills going to be saying a few words paying tribute to Annie. We know thats going to be difficult for him because they were very dear friends. Its just our chance to support him and support the memory and legacy of Annie. NTA host Dermot OLeary also confirmed the news, telling Good Morning Britain: Weve spoken to Corrie and were working with them at the moment and it will be a fitting tribute. Kirkbride died in a Manchester hospital on Monday evening following a short illness. She had been absent from filming at Coronation Street in recent months and her final scenes as Deirdre aired in October 2014. The National Television Awards will be broadcast live on ITV from 7.30pm tonight.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 09:12:10 +0000
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