Devastated Caroline Aherne fans hope she’ll be having a ‘right old giggle’ with the late Victoria Wood in poignant tweets

GRIEVING fans of the late comedians Caroline Aherne and Victoria Wood have stated “heaven is now a funnier place” in a number of poignant tweets.

Shockwaves were sent through the showbiz world today after it was revealed The Royle Family actress had lost her long battle with cancer at the age of 52.

Her death comes just a month after the passing of Dinnerladies star Victoria, who died in April at the age of 62 following a “short battle with cancer”.

Taking to the social networking site, devastated Cristo Foufas commented: “So sad about Caroline Ahere. One thing’s for sure, with her and Victoria Wood both going this year, heaven is one FAR funnier place! RIP.”

An upset user called Jodie added: “I bet heaven is a funny place to be right now. Victoria Wood and Caroline Aherne would have everyone in stiches #RIPCarolineAherne.”

A saddened contributor called Kim Tozer wrote: “Going to be one hell of a fun fest ‘up there’ with Victoria Wood and Caroline Aherne writing the scripts.”

While a distressed user called Chrissie added: “I hope Caroline Aherne & Victoria Wood are having a right old giggle together somewhere before they head out to listen to some great music.”

A representative for the Victoria Wood HQ Twitter account posted: “What a loss, we know Victoria loved Caroline Aherne’s work. May she rest in peace.”

To which a grief-stricken fan called Pam Clear replied: “They might already be having a chat.”

Lamenting on the affect their deaths will having on the comedy world, a Twitter user called Villa Mad wrote: “Two female comic geniuses gone this year in Caroline Aherne and Victoria Wood, and nothing out there to replace them.”

Caroline, who was born in Ealing, London and raised in Manchester, made her name with her comedy chat show creation Mrs Merton.

She appeared in BBC 2 sketch comedy Fast Show and was the voice of Channel 4’s Goggle Box.

But she will be best remembered for The Royle Family, which she co-wrote with on-screen husband Craig Cash.

Caroline starred alongside Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston, as their daughter Denise Royle.

A statement issued by 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."