The English-born actress was best known for her role as Alf Stewart's sister Morag Bellingham in the long-running Australian soap
HOME And Away star Cornelia Francis has died at the age of 77 after losing her battle with bladder cancer.
The English-born actress was best known for her role as Alf Stewart's sister Morag Bellingham in the long-running Australian soap.
She is understood to have been surrounded by close family and friends when she died overnight in Sydney after revealing the disease spread to her hip.
In a heartbreaking tribute on social media, her son Lawrence Eastland said: "A very personal photo of my mum during one of her resting moments, she is so peaceful, soft and serene.
"I truly love this woman.
Home And Away co-star Ray Meagher, who played on-screen brother Alf, said: “Cornie was an incredibly loved and valued member of our cast over many, many years."
“We had a moment of silence for her on set this morning and she’ll be sadly missed by both cast and crew.”
Cornelia also hosted the Australian version of the game show The Weakest Link, which aired on Channel Seven.
A spokeswoman for the broadcaster paid tribute, describing her as a "unique person".
They said: “Her on-screen presence inspired a generation of actors. This gift was coupled with an ability to bring a sense of dignity and presence into each room she entered. Her energy and character will be missed.”
Cornelia was born in Liverpool, Merseyside, in 1941 and trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
She starred in a number of British movies in the 1960s, including Peeping Tom and The Queen's Guard, both directed by her uncle Michael Powell.
But it was after she emigrated to Australia in 1970 that her acting career really took off and she landed a lead role in The Box.
She went on to become a household name for her part as Sister Grace Scott in daily soap opera The Young Doctors.
In 1988, Cornelia made her first appearance on Home And Away and would continue to feature on the show for 29 years.
Cornelia was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2017 before being told it had spread to her hip.
Australian stars and fellow Home And Away cast members have paid tribute to the actress following her death.
Lincoln Younes, who played Casey Braxton in the soap, tweeted: "#CorneliaFrances. You were always ahead of the game. Will miss your witty banter on-set X."
Actor and comedian Joel Creasey said: "I met Cornelia Frances when I was 11.
"I was pretty terrified but she could not have been sweeter and I have always remembered that. Sad day."
Speaking from her hospital bed in January, she told the Sunday Telegraph: “I swear I have had a hex placed on me for the past 12 months.
“I discovered I had bladder cancer. This then spread to my hip bone which fractured, and then I almost died from loss of blood due to an ulcer in my throat.
"Despite all this, I am still here, as the old song goes.”
She also spoke about her hopes at returning to Summer Bay for the 30th anniversary of the show.
Cornelia has always played strong characters including a number of iconic TV villains and thanked producers for giving her some brilliant roles over the course of her 60 year career.
She is survived by her son Lawrence.
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