The first emotional photos of Deirdre Barlow’s upcoming funeral in ‘Coronation Street’ have now been unveiled.
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Last week, it was revealed that Ken Barlow (played by William Roache) will learn that his wife has died while making preparations for her return from a long trip abroad, coinciding with her 60th birthday.
New pictures from her memorial service - due to air on ITV next week - have now been revealed, showing Ken carrying Deirdre’s coffin into a church, alongside her close friend from over the years, Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard).
First look at Deirdre's emotional send-off
A priest is shown holding a photo of Deirdre, looking her happiest in her signature glasses, while other pallbearers include Dev Alahan and Kevin Webster.
Other photos from what promises to be one of the soap’s most heart-wrenching episodes in its 55-year history show Ken standing with his step-daughter, Tracy Barlow, at Deirdre’s graveside.
The 'Corrie' cast stand at Deirdre's graveside
Speaking about the forthcoming tribute episode William Roache has previously admitted that he felt he was going through a similar grieving process to his ‘Corrie’ character, following the death of Anne Kirkbride - who played Deirdre for over 40 years - back in January.
We're getting emotional just looking at these photos
“[‘Coronation Street’] is a family, and doing the funeral that we’re doing of Deirdre next week, Annie will be there, we’re just feeling her there the whole time… I know I have never heard a single bad word or criticism about Annie, you couldn’t."
It has previously been announced that Chris Gascoigne, who played Peter Barlow in the soap until quitting earlier this year, will make a brief return to the cobbles for the episode, which will air on ITV next week.