Second death on Coronation Street devastates cast still reeling from loss of Anne Kirkbride

It never rains but it pours – and a thunderstorm of bad luck seems to have come down upon the cast and crew of Coronation Street in the opening months of 2015, as only days after the untimely death of Anne Kirkbride, another disaster has struck.

IMAGE: Rex
Crew member Mike Curtis, who was only 32 years old, committed suicide just days after the Deirdre Barlow actress passed away, The Daily Star has reported.

“It is a terrible time for everyone on the show,” a source told the publication.

“Mike was the life and soul off-camera and left all those who worked with him stunned by his death.”The source continued: “He has worked behind the scenes on the show for 10 years and was close to many of the cast.

“He was always laughing and joking. His death left everyone stunned.

“Behind the scenes it’s as tough a time as anyone can remember.”

The cast are doubly stricken.
A touching tribute was paid to Anne at the National Television Awards earlier this year, with Bill Roache, who played her onscreen husband, making a speech that moved many to tears.

“For over 40 years, our dear friend Anne Kirkbride played the part of Deirdre and she became one of the best loved and most enduring characters on British television,” he said.

“With her husky voice and trademark spectacles, the nation took Deirdre to their hearts.

“We share your grief and sadness at losing such a beautiful person who’ll be so greatly missed by us all. I love you, Anne. Thank you.”