Coronation Street’s Bill Roache Slammed For Claims Anne Kirkbride Was An 'Alcoholic'

Fans of Coronation Street have branded actor Bill Roache 'disrespectful' for his comments about Anne Kirkbride’s emotional state before her death.

The 83-year-old Corrie legend, who played Ken Barlow opposite Anne as Deirdre for decades, said Anne would hold up filming because she was "weepy and wailing".

He also revealed that Anne was an alcoholic who struggled to cope in her final days on the soap, so Corrie bosses had told her to take time off to ‘sort herself out’.

Anne’s battle with alcoholism has been well documented, although those close to her have said she hasn’t touched a drink in three decades.

Fans of the show have hit back at his comments, calling them ‘disrespectful’ and slammed him for speaking about her mental state.

One Kirkbride fan tweeted: “Can't believe Bill Roache has spoken out about Anne Kirkbride like this?!The man has shown himself to be a plonker AGAIN ! #Corrie #Corra”

Another posted: “I'm sorry bill Roache but even if what u say is true as a true friend you would have kept your mouth shut.

“How disgusting that bill roache sold out Anne kirkbride… making her private life and demons so public after she has died #corrie !! (sic)” penned another, adding to the conversation full of negative comments towards the actor.

Another tweeted Coronation Street's account, calling Bill 'evil' adding: "How do you allow that awful man Bill Roache to blemish the name of Anne, you should take action, he is pure evil."

Insiders have said that Bill was referring to her historic battle with alcohol, and was not implying it had returned.

In response to the comments on Anne being an alcoholic, her husband David Beckett said: “Whilst Anne would describe herself as an ‘alcoholic’, she had not touched a drop of alcohol in 30 years.”