Caroline Aherne has passed away aged 52 following a battle with cancer.
In a statement, her publicist Neil Reading said: “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.
“The family ask for privacy at this very sad time.”
The actress first became a household name in 1994 when she starred as Mrs Merton in The Mrs Merton Show. She also wrote for and starred in The Fast Show.
One of Aherne’s most popular creations was The Royle Family. She co-created and wrote the show with Craig Cash and also starred in it as Denise Royle.
Most recently, Aherne was the narrator of the Channel 4 show Gogglebox. She was forced to take time off earlier this year whilst she received treatment for the cancer.
Aherne has struggled with health problems over the years. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2014 and previously suffered from bladder and eye cancer.
Tributes to Aherne have already started to appear online, with friends, co-workers and fans paying their respects to a truly talented star.
Nooooo Caroline Aherne !!!!!! Sleep well you absolute genius x
— Lily Allen (@lilyallen) July 2, 2016
Awful news about Caroline Aherne. She gave us all so many laughs and happy memories. Rest in Peace.
— Jason Manford (@JasonManford) July 2, 2016
? Caroline Aherne one of the magical ones ???
— Zoe Ball (@ZoeTheBall) July 2, 2016
I've lost a very good friend, we went back years.An irreplaceable comic genius.A joy to be and work with.The Renee to my Roy. RIP Caroline
— John Thomson (@JohnnyThomson2) July 2, 2016
Deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the passing of Caroline Aherne, a loss to the Gogglebox family. Thinking of her family. X
— Gogglebox Tappers (@tapperofficial) July 2, 2016
Our thoughts are with Caroline Aherne’s family and friends at this difficult time.