Anne Kirkbride

Anne Kirkbride (born 21st June, 1954) is a British actress who has achieved iconic status in the UK for her portrayal of Deirdre Barlow on Coronation Street, a role she has played from 1972 to the present day (becoming a permenant cast member in 1974). Prior to her casting on the Street, Anne appeared in an edition of ITV Saturday Night Theatre in 1972.

Making Deirdre famous for her large glasses (which the character hasn't actually worn now for many years) and raspy voice caused by years of cigarette smoking, Anne was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1993, but was fully cured within a year.