From Coronation Street Wiki

Anne Kirkbride (born 21st June, 1954 in Oldham) is a British actress who has achieved iconic status in the UK for her portrayal of Deirdre Barlow on Coronation Street, a role she has played from 1972 to the present day (becoming a permenant cast member in 1974). Prior to her casting on the Street, Anne trained at Oldham Repertory Theatre and appeared in a Jack Rosenthal play Another Sunday and Sweet FA in 1972 together with Fred Feast and Lynne Carol.

Making Deirdre famous for her large glasses (which the character hasn't actually worn now for many years) and raspy voice caused by years of cigarette smoking, Anne was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1993, but was fully cured within a year.