CORONATION Street actress Anne Kirkbride - who played Deirdre Barlow - has died after a short illness aged 60, her husband David Beckett said tonight.

Kirkbride, 60, who starred in the long-running soap for 44 years, died in a Manchester hospital after a short illness.

A statement on the ITV website said her husband David Beckett and the programme's cast and crew are "heartbroken and deeply saddened".

Executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "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. Our thoughts are with David and their family."

William Roache, who played on screen husband Ken Barlow, 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."

Other Coronation Street colleagues expressed their grief at the soap veteran's death.

Samia Ghadie, who plays Maria in Coronation Street, tweeted: "#RIP to a wonderful unforgettable lady.. Anne Kirkbride . We will miss you so very much x"

Debbie Rush, who plays Anna, said: "So sad. We'll miss you so much Annie x #jellytots #sheknows xxx"

Adam Rickitt, who played Nick Tilsley, said: "Just heard..so gutted. Annie..u were pure class..a smile always when needed and a hug always from the heart #ripannekirkbride #annekirkbride. 

Kirkbride is survived by her husband, David, her brother John, and his family.