Tributes have poured in for Caroline Aherne following her death on Saturday (02.07.16).

Caroline Aherne

Caroline Aherne

The 52-year-old actress and writer passed away following a cancer battle and celebrities were quick to take to social media to pay tribute to the star of 'The Royle Family', 'The Mrs Merton Show' and 'The Fast Show'.

'This Morning' presenter Phillip Schofield wrote in Twitter: "So desperately sad to hear of the death of Caroline Aherne. Such a unique and gifted lady. Lots of love to all her family & friends," while 'Empire' actor Max Beesley wrote on Instagram: "Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my dear old friend #carolineAherne. She was a one off talent with a heart of gold. A real diamond. Bless you darling you will be missed love."

David Walliams tweeted: "Absolutely devastating news about Caroline Aherne. A true comedy genius, her work was equally funny & touching," and 'Coronation Street' actor Andrew Whyment, who worked with Caroline on 'The Royle Family', wrote: "So sad 2 hear the passing of Caroline Aherne it was a privilege to have worked with her on the Royle Family very talented woman indeed RIP X"

TV presenter Piers Morgan also took to Twitter to remember Caroline, writing: "RIP Caroline Aherne, 52. Another brilliant talent gone far too soon. Her Mrs Merton character was comedy genius."

Comedian Jenny Eclair wrote: "Poor dear Caroline Aherne, how terribly sad" and former footballer Stan Collymore tweeted: "RIP Caroline Aherne. Sincere condolences to friends and family."

Jeremy Clarkson added: "Caroline Aherne. That's very sad" while Zoe Ball shared a broken heart emoji and the words "Caroline Aherne one of the magical ones."

David Baddiel also revealed his devastation, writing: "Caroline Aherne...man, that's done me in. That's really done me in."

Caroline's publicist Neil Reading announced her death in a statement, 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. The family ask for privacy at this very sad time."

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."

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

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