Deirdre back in court

Deirdre Barlow is in court again - only this time as a witness at her daughter Tracy's trial for murder.

It is nine years since Deirdre, played by Anne Kirkbride, was falsely jailed for mortgage and credit card fraud, prompting a national 'free Deirdre' campaign.

This time, Tracy, played by Kate Ford, has admitted to her mother that she killed builder boyfriend Charlie in cold blood, rather than self-defence.

She admits she planned the attack after discovering he cheated on her with Maria and got ex Shelley pregnant.

Viewers will see Deirdre wrestle with her conscience as she decides whether to turn her daughter over to police or protect her in court.

Deirdre agrees to take the stand, but it is yet to be seen whether she helps her daughter get away with murder or crumbles under the pressure.

David Platt, played by Jack Shepherd, also takes the stand, the only person who claims to have seen Tracy kill Charlie in self-defence.

Soap bosses have filmed two endings for the court case, which comes to a dramatic conclusion on April 2.

The first sees Tracy convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

In the second she is found not guilty, but Deirdre forces her to flee Weatherfield without daughter Amy.

Actress Kate Ford is leaving Coronation street after five years in the ITV show.

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