However, a Coronation Street spokesperson confirms today : "Anne is currently on extended leave, but we are not aware of any desire to step down permanently from her role as Deirdre Barlow."
Deirdre was last seen on screen in October last year when she decided to leave Weatherfield to go and stay with her friend Bev Unwin.
At that time, Coronation Street confirmed that Anne Kirkbride would be taking a three month break from the show.
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