Funeral scenes too much for Kirkbride

Anne Kirkbride broke down in tears while filming scenes for her on-screen mother's funeral.

The 'Coronation Street' actress, who plays Deirdre Barlow, had to take a break as she became overwhelmed when Blanche Hunt - played by Maggie Jones, who died in December - was laid to rest outside a church in Manchester.

One onlooker said: "It must be a very emotional time for all the cast to be filming these scenes.

"Maggie was a brilliant actress and clearly a much-loved part of the cast."

However, the sombre mood was lightened when it emerged that Malcolm Hebden, who plays Norris Cole, had fallen asleep and disrupted the funeral service scenes with his snoring.

According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, Anne hugged the actor and said: "That's typical Maggie - she'll be looking down on us!"

A source added: "Anne laughed her head off. The snoring had been a mystery."

Filming of the scenes took place just weeks after a memorial service for 75-year-old actress took place in Salford, Greater Manchester.

During the service, Anne paid tribute to her co-star.

She said: "I am finding it difficult. I loved Maggie very much and losing her is like losing a parent. I loved working with her, she was a dear friend."