Actress Kate Ford, best known for her role as Corrie’s Tracy Barlow, has spoken about her late co-star Anne Kirkbride.

In episodes set to unfold over the next few weeks, viewers will see the cast bid farewell to Anne’s character, Deirdre.

Kate spoke about filming Deirdre’s funeral scenes, saying: “It was very difficult, and emotional at times, but I tried to keep things as separate as I could because it was too painful if not.”

Kate Ford as Tracy Barlow in Corrie (ITV)
Kate Ford as Tracy Barlow in Corrie (ITV)

Speaking about her character and how she will react to her mum’s death, Kate said: “Tracy is devastated, she loved Deirdre very much. Over the years, whatever Tracy has done, even if she hasn’t agreed with it, Deirdre has always stood by her and loved her unconditionally. Tracy suddenly feels very alone without her mum.”

Viewers will see Tracy throw herself into funeral arrangements to “block out the pain”.

But more drama is set to unfold as Tracy’s ex-husband, Robert (played by Tristan Gemmill), returns for the funeral.

Anne Kirkbride
(Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Kate said: “She’s (Tracy) in bits over her mum and also struggling with guilt over the fire, but Ken’s still being really cold and she’s only just holding it together.

“So when Tracy spots Robert she’s shocked but overwhelmed to see a familiar face and loves that he is there to support and care for her.”

Corrie scriptwriter Damon Rochefort said of having to write the funeral and farewell scenes: “When you see the on screen tears and emotion from cast members when Ken says his final goodbyes to Deirdre in these upcoming episodes, you can be assured of one thing – it won’t all be acting.”