William Roache and Anne Kirkbride starred opposite each other as Deirdre and Ken Barlow in Coronation Street for more than four decades. That was until the actress’ tragic death from cancer aged just 60 in 2015.
Tomorrow marks five years to the day that she died, after keeping her health battle a secret from her co-stars – including William, 87.
Despite her passing, her name remains on her Corrie dressing room door, which is now used by her close friend Beverley Callard (Liz McDonald).
Speaking in a new interview with the Daily Mirror, the soap icon discussed their relationship and life without her.
“Anne is a constant presence here,” he stated, after first joining the ITV drama back in 1960.
READ MORE: Coronation Street spoilers: Ken Barlow to die from serious illness?
He went on to explain how Deirdre’s unimpressive pottery and photographs remain in Ken’s living room.
The latter and Deirdre wed twice during her time on the cobbles, while the star herself married husband David Beckett in 1992.
William continued: “Grief is a continuous thing but it becomes a more joyful thing, I’m not one for sad memories, it’s about enjoying the person as much as you can.
“You were never short of a laugh with Annie and that’s what we remember about her most.”
Anne joined Corrie in 1972 as a teenager after landing a tiny part as Deirdre Hunt, but she never left.
That was until late 2014 due to ill health but she returned a few months later.
The small screen favourite had previously overcome Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma as well as struggling with depression.
But she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and the disease had spread.
William also said: “It was a privilege to say goodbye. It was the day before she died and she wasn’t conscious but looked very beautiful.”
Meanwhile, it comes just weeks after the actor said he “tried not to grieve too long” after losing his wife Sarah, daughter Vanya and Anne all within the space of a few years.
The TV veteran’s spouse Sarah passed away suddenly in 2009, aged 60.
Speaking to Love Sunday magazine last year, he said: “Of course I grieved,” but emphasised that he tried not to let it consume him.
Coronation Street continues Monday at 7.30pm on ITV.
