The much loved actress died in hospital in Manchester last night, survived by her husband David.
It was announced in September that Anne would be taking a three month break from the soap, and was due to return to her role this month.
However the actress is now believed to have lost her battle with brain cancer.
William Roache, who played on-screen husband Ken Barlow, said of her death: 'I feel Anne's loss so personally having worked closely with her for over 40 years.
'She was such a loving and vibrant person. You always knew she was there because her laugh was never far away. She was an impeccable performer with superb comedy timing and an immense gift for really heightened drama.
'We had some rows over the years as Ken and Deirdre and it was wonderful to play those scenes opposite her. Coronation Street has lost one of its iconic characters and Anne will be greatly missed.'
Tributes to the actress have flooded in on social media since the news broke, with Michelle Keegan, who played Tina McIntyre in the series until last year, writing:
'Devastating news. Love you Annie. The nation is now in mourning...xxx'.
From check-in girl to Corrie star: Michelle Keegan's life in pictures
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After a blissful nine months together, Mark pops the question to Michelle in Dubai, with the soap star accepting his proposal. Mark says Michelle is 'all he's ever wanted.'
2 of 13Born 1987
Michelle Keegan is born to a Spanish mother and English father in Stockport, Manchester.
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Michelle makes her exit from Corrie, six years after she first appeared on our screens. Her character, Tina, meets a grisly end.
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In late 2007, Michelle lands the role of Tina McIntyre in Coronation Street, beating 900 other hopefuls. She first appears on our screens in January 2008.
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Michelle begins dating male model Brad Howard. Now that is one denim-tastic duo.
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After splitting from model Brad Howard, Michelle begins dating Max Howard of the Wanted, after meeting him at a gig.
7 of 13Engagement
After just four months together, skinhead star Max popped the question to Michelle, with the pair becoming engaged in April 2011. Sadly work schedules, combined with a picture of Max kissing a blonde in a nightclub, came between the pair, and they split in the summer of 2012.
8 of 13FHM glory
Michelle gets the attention of lad's mags everywhere, and starts appearing in FHM's sexiest 100, plus starring on several covers.
9 of 13Making friends with Chez
Fellow brunette beauty Cheryl Cole appears on Coronation Street as Michelle's long-lost friend.
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Putting her eye for style to good use - Michelle works alongside Lorraine and Closer's Kat Byrne at the High Street Fashion Awards. And doesn't she look lovely?
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In late 2012 Michelle met TOWIE star Mark Wright, and the pair began dating soon after.
12 of 13Childhood
Growing up in Manchester, Michelle takes a job in the local Trafford Centre, before becoming a Check-in girl at Manchester airport.
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