Corrie's Deirdre to give up smoking

Coronation Street's Deirdre Rachid is to try and give up smoking in a new storyline.

Deirdre makes the decision as a special wedding present to Ken, after they marry on April 8, and as a tribute to ex-husband Ray Langton, who dies of stomach cancer.

As a result of the storyline, Anne Kirkbride, who plays Deirdre, will no longer be able to smoke in any of her scenes.

A source told The Mirror, "It's a bit of a politically correct storyline and there are bound to be viewers who will think about giving up.

"Anne loves her fags, like a few other artists. Deirdre isn't always seen smoking, so it's not something that will be totally new for Anne to cope with. But there will be times when people will be betting she could do with lighting one up."

The soap's producers are considering promoting a helpline at the end of each episode to help viewers to give up smoking themselves.

Other characters, including Jack Duckworth and Liz McDonald, will also try and kick the habit.