Caroline Aherne’s Royle Family co-star Ralf Little leads tributes

SHE was one of the best loved talents in British comedy with her own brand of humour propelling her to stardom.

Now celebrities are paying tribute to the incredible genius that was Caroline Aherne after it was confirmed this afternoon that she had died at the age of 52.

The actress, known for her hilarious roles in The Mrs Merton Show, The Fast Show and The Royle Family, died at her home in Timperley, Greater Manchester, it was announced.

Stars who had known Caroline described her passing as "awful" paying tribute to her and describing her as a "remarkable human being."

Caroline's co-star in the Royle Family, Ralf Little, was initially stunned to silence by the news.

But later took to his twitter account to make a heartfelt sympathy message.

He said: "Sorry for silence - I just... don't know what to say. What a sad, sad day. We've lost another one of our best.

"A character. A legend. A boss. A sister, real and (for me) fake. A boss. A writer. An actor. A genius.

"A friend. Big, big heart. Goodbye. X"

Among those who took to their social media accounts to pay tribute were Jason Manford who wrote on Facebook: "Awful news about Caroline Aherne. She gave us all so many laughs and happy memories. Rest in Peace."

David Walliams tweeted: "Absolutely devastating news about Caroline Aherne. A true comedy genius, her work was equally funny & touching,"

While Ant and Dec wrote on twitter: "Such sad news. Yet another good un leaves us. RIP Caroline X"

BBC DJ Nick Grimshaw said: "Ah I love Caroline Aherne! Such sad news to hear she's died. So loved in the Grimshaw household. One of my favourites, rest in peace X"

While Phillip Schofield said: "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 X

Anthony Cotton Twitter: "Devastated to hear about Caroline Ahearne. A genius and a remarkable human being #parkyparkyparky"

Born in Ealing, London and raised in Manchester, she 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 Goggle Box.

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

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

A statement issued by 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.”

Mourning celebs paid tribute to the screen legend after the sad news of her death this afternoon.

Outside of showbiz she became the voice of a Government health campaign to persuade people to cut down on fags and booze.

She had been battling lung cancer and had previously been treated for bladder and eye cancer.

Behind her sometimes dopey characters was an astute observer of life, succinctly summed up by her Royle Family co-star Ricky Tomlinson.

He once said: "Caroline acts like a dope and a dumb blonde but she's as sharp as a box of razor blades."

She also made appearances in the Smell of Reeves and Mortimer and alongside Steve Coogan.

Outside of showbiz she became the voice of a Government health campaign to persuade people to cut down on fags and booze.

She had been battling lung cancer and had previously been treated for bladder and eye cancer.

Her work became less frequent in recent years as she struggled with ill health.

In 2002 she wrote and starred in BBC 2 comedy-drama Dossa and Joe.

She narrated documentary entitled Pound Shop Wars which aired in 2012.

Other appearances were reduced to fleeting cameos.

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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