Caroline Aherne dead at 52

2 July 2016

Caroline Aherne has died.

Caroline Aherne

The 52-year-old actress - who wrote and starred in 'The Royle Family' - has passed away following a battle with cancer.

Caroline's publicist Neil Reading said in a statement on Saturday (02.07.16): "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."

Caroline was also known for her work in 'The Mrs Merton Show' and 'The Fast Show' and most recently, she narrated the Channel 4 reality TV series 'Gogglebox'.

Caroline and her brother were both born with retina cancer and she later suffered from the disease in her bladder and her lungs. She took time out from 'Gogglebox' to reportedly fight throat cancer but returned to the show earlier this year.

Speaking in 2014, she said: "My brother and I were born with cancer of the eyes, the retina, my mum told us only special people get cancer. I must be very special because I have had it in my lungs and bladder as well."

TV presenter Piers Morgan was one of the first stars to take to Twitter to pay tribute to Caroline, writing: "RIP Caroline Aherne, 52. Another brilliant talent gone far too soon. Her Mrs Merton character was comedy genius (sic)."

Caroline was married to Peter Hook of the rock band New Order from 1994 until 1997.