Coronation Street fans reckon a return is in store for Deirdre Barlow –

but they are not impressed. The soap icon, played by Anne Kirkbride,

was a staple on the cobbles – making her debut way back in 1972.

Famous for her husky voice and huge glasses, Deirdre became one of the nation’s most endearing soap characters.

From a toyboy romance to marrying Ken Barlow (William Roache) twice, and dealing with murderous daughter Tracy (Kate Ford), Deirdre also had several hard-hitting and entertaining storylines throughout her time on the cobbles.

Deirdre was last seen on the soap on 8th October 2014 after actress Anne took an extended break from the soap. However, in January 2015, Anne sadly died after a battle with breast cancer. That same year, her character Deirdre was killed off when she suffered a brain aneurysm off-screen while visiting her friend Bev Unwin.

But it appears a return, with a twist, could be happening in the soap soon for Deirdre, amid the harrowing cult storyline, involving Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson).

As fans will recall, Leanne has been lured in by the mysterious “self-help” group, led by sinister Rowan (Emrhys Cooper). It was then revealed that Leanne had been talking to an AI depiction of her dead son, Oliver, created by The Institute.

In the past few weeks, Leanne has recruited Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney) to join the group, and the youngster appeared to take an interest.

In Monday’s episode (July 20), after discussing The Institute, Leanne showed Amy the computer-generated avatar of her half-brother – leaving Amy disgusted before taking off.

Now, fans reckon there will be an AI depiction of Amy’s grandmother, Deirdre – and viewers are not impressed with the idea.

Over on a Reddit thread, one person penned: “As soon as they mentioned Deirdre, I was like please god no, not an AI Deirdre!”

A second fumed: “That’s the point I would stop watching. Anne Kirkbride died long before actors could sign up for the technology.”

Another proclaimed: “I swear if they show Amy AI Deirdre I think that might actually tip Amy over the edge she’s already freaked by Oliver.”

Meanwhile, on X, one person said: “WTF the AI kid is back. They best not AI Deirdre.” Someone else wrote: “I thought we was about to get AI Deirdre.” A third replied: “Perhaps we still will…..” A fourth then said: “I think we will if Amy gets deeper into the stuff.”