Actress Anne Kirkbride, who played Deirdre Barlow in Coronation Street has died.

The ITV soap star passed away aged 60 at Manchester hospital after a short illness, her husband David Beckett said tonight.

Anne had been given an extended leave last year following a heavy 18-month schedule for her character.

She had previously taken a break from the soap in 1993 after she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma but she returned to the show less than a year after getting the all clear.

In a statement he and the programmes's cast and crew said they were "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."

Over the last year, Deirdre had been at the centre of a high-profile storyline which saw her son Peter Barlow being wrongly jailed for murder.

Tributes from Coronation Street stars and other celebrities have flooded social media sites.

Actress Katie Ford, who plays Deirdre's daughter Tracy Barlow, tweeted: ''Heartbroken at the loss of my friend and beautiful on screen mummy. The most crazy funny 100 per cent human. My life was enriched by her''

Samia Ghadie, who plays Maria, 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"

Adam Rickitt, who played Nick Tilsley, said: ''So gutted. Annie..u were pure class..a smile always when needed and a hug always from the heart"