NTA Anne Kirkbride tribute to be lead by her screen soul mate, Bill Roache

I, like the rest of the nation was shocked and really sad to hear that 'Our Deirdre' - Anne Kirkbride - had passed away on Monday night. 

From what we know, Anne's death was sudden, and followed a short illness. She was also, it's said, was set to make a comeback to Corrie later this month after a three month hiatus. 

The cast and crew have shared their grief - via Twitter and through TV interviews - with us, and tonight, only two days after her passing, Bill Roache, who plays Anne's on screen husband, Ken Barlow, will lead a tribute to her at the National Television Awards, live on ITV. 

The NTA producers have been in talks with ITV and Coronation Street, with Corrie's producer Stuart Blackburn confirming:

"Bill's going to be saying a few words paying tribute to Annie. We know that's going to be difficult for him because they were very dear friends. It's just our chance to support him and support the memory and legacy of Annie."

I'm sure that it will be a fitting and highly emotive tribute. 

These kinds of recognition are always emotional, but being only a couple of days after her loss will be even more so.

As Corrie's Jack P. Shepherd - who plays David Platt - said so aptly on Twitter - 

'RIP The Weatherfield One.'

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