Corrie's King: Kirkbride is a hoot!

Coronation Street's Alison King has revealed Anne Kirkbride keeps the cast of the soap laughing between takes.

Alison, who was named best actress at this year's British Soap Awards for her portrayal of factory boss Carla Connor, said Anne, who plays Weatherfield veteran Deirdre Barlow, keeps everyone on set entertained.

"During filming and waiting for filming it's pretty much madness. It's Annie Kirkbride, she's absolutely mad and when she's in, it's brilliant because you just hear the funniest tales and anecdotes," Alison said.

Carla has had a traumatic year with her rape ordeal at the hands of Frank Foster (Andrew Lancel), and Alison said she's ready for some lighter scenes.

"I think she needs a bit of happiness but it has kind of peeled back the layers of Carla, which is nice for the audience to see," she added.

"Immediately you see Carla and you hate her, but over the years I think you warm to her because you realise why she is the way she is."