EMOTIONS ran high in Weatherfield last night as Amy Barlow opened her gifts on the morning of her birthday.
The first of a double serving of Coronation Street opened with Deirdre Barlow‘s brief and poignant return.
Adulthood is just beginning for Amy (portrayed by actress Elle Mulvaney) as the teen celebrated her 18th birthday during last night’s trip to the cobbles.
The youngster was seen opening up her presents and was delighted to see her dad Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) and her mother Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) gifted her with a dress she wanted.
Minutes later, Amy asked to open another birthday present, given to her by her grandfather Ken.
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Amy first read out the label, saying: “Dear Amy, you have 10 driving lessons all paid for!”
Upon opening the gift, it was revealed that she had received a photo frame containing an old family snap, which included Deirdre, Ken’s late wife.
“Grandma Deidre, I just wish she were here,” Amy commented.
To which Tracy replied: “She would be so proud of you. Oh Steve, can you believe our baby is 18?”
ITV viewers went wild at the mere mention of Deirdre Barlow and quickly swarmed over to Twitter.
“Omg Deirdre mentions. Can’t believe amy is 18!!”, a fan tweeted.
Another added, along with a crying face emoji: Awww Deirdre”
“Oh god that photo almost had me crying”, a third chimed in.
A fourth viewer penned: “I miss Deirdre.”
Long-standing Corrie resident Deirdre was portrayed by actress Anne Kirkbride and was heavily recognisable for her large glasses and husky voice, which was brought on by many years of smoking.
Unfortunately, Anne passed away at the age of 60 in a Manchester hospital on January 19, 2015.
She had been secretly battling breast cancer and the illness had metastasised to her brain.
Her death was made into a new storyline months later in Coronation Street.
After running off to visit her good friend Bev Unwin, desperate for a break from all the Weatherfield drama, Deirdre was expected to return home in July, 2015.
A party was laid on for her in the Rovers to celebrate her homecoming and her 60th birthday.
But Bev showed up instead, ready to break the news of her death.
Bev told Deirdre’s close ones that she had died that morning while sitting on a patio chair in the sun.
Her cause of death was confirmed to be a brain aneurysm and Deirdre’s funeral was organised days later, with her husband Ken delivering the eulogy.
Retired teacher Ken now remains at No.1, alongside Tracy, Steve and Amy.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm and 8:30pm on ITV.
