Kirkbride passed away in a Manchester hospital in January following a short illness.
© Rex Features
Anne Kirkbride as Deirdre Barlow
The soap's bosses have been consulting with Kirkbride's family as they planned a fitting farewell for the character, who was first introduced on the show in 1972.
Yesterday (April 11), Coronation Street confirmed that the storyline had been decided, stating: "We have finalised details for a plot explaining Deirdre's departure, which will be screened in the summer."
© Rex Features / McPix Ltd
Anne Kirkbride and Bill Roache on set
Speaking to Digital Spy last month, Coronation Street's executive producer Kieran Roberts commented: "We absolutely will say farewell to Deirdre in the show.
"Anne's death was a huge tragedy and everybody who worked with her just loved her to bits - she was a very special woman. What's really important is that the first thing we have to do is respect Anne and her family.
"We're talking to her family about lots of things and when we feel we've done that, we will be planning to say farewell to the character of Deirdre as well. I'm sure we will do justice to that amazing, iconic character later in the year."
A memorial service for Kirkbride will take place on Sunday, May 30 at Manchester Cathedral to allow friends, family and fans to pay their respects to the actress.
It has also been revealed that Anne Kirkbride's name will stay on her dressing room door as a permanent tribute to the Coronation Street star.
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