Comedian Caroline Aherne, has died after a long battle with cancer aged 52.
Her publicist confirmed that Caroline, who was best known for writing and starring in The Royle Family as Denise Best, passed away from the illness, saying: "Caroline Aherne has sadly passed away, after a brave battle with cancer. The Bafta award-winning writer and comedy actor died earlier today at her home in Timperley, Greater Manchester. She was 52.
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© Photo: RexCaroline passed away after a long battle with cancer
"The family ask for privacy at this very sad time."
The star, who also acted as narrator for Gogglebox, had previously suffered from bladder and eye cancer, and was diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago. Caroline had spoken at an appeal for Macmillan Cancer Support to speak about the disease, saying: "I've had cancer and my brother's had cancer and we know how it affects people."
Tributes have poured in from friends, colleagues and admirers of the gifted comedian, with many fellow comics taking to Twitter to express their thoughts on the loss. David Walliams wrote: "Absolutely devastating news about Caroline Aherne. A true comedy genius, her work was equally funny & touching," while Matt Lucas wrote: "Caroline Aherne moved television comedy on to a new place. Her extraordinary work will be cherished by future generations.
© Photo: RexCaroline created The Royle Family
Ellie Goulding also paid tribute, writing: "So so sad to hear about Caroline Aherne. The Royle Family is one of the greatest British comedies. She really was a comic genius. Sleep well." Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley wrote: "RIP Caroline Aherne... Another legend taken far too soon."
Caroline grew up in Manchester, and according to her brother, Patrick, was funny ever since she was a child. He shared: "Nobody else in the family was like that. But she was funny from the time she was really little."
