Comedian Maddy Anholt has died at the age of 35.

The stand-up had been battling a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.

Her family broke the news in a statement saying: ‘It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of Maddy Anholt, our beloved daughter, sister, twin, friend, wife and mother, who left this world on Wednesday 13th September, aged 35.

‘You may know that shortly after the birth of her incredible daughter Opal last year, Maddy was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. 

‘She handled the ensuing surgery and treatment with astonishing grace and courage, accompanied every step of the way by her family and devoted husband, Ben. She spent her final weeks at her parents’ home, bathed in love and calm, and with the sounds of nature all around.

‘In her short life, Maddy accomplished so much. She was a marathon-runner, author, speaker, actor and Ambassador for Women’s Aid. Her debut book was published in 2022 and her first fiction will be published soon. As an actor, she appeared in sitcoms for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, while as a speaker she led numerous masterclasses, including for the Guardian.

‘We are overwhelmed with gratitude to the many friends who have upheld us with their love and prayers during this difficult time, as well as the countless nurses, doctors and the NHS as a whole, who treated her with unfailing dignity and compassion. In particular we would like to thank the magnificent team at Seaton Hospice at Home, who are the embodiment of empathy, professionalism and love.’

The statement was  shared on a GoFundMe page set up to provide for Opal, one, that has already raised more than £7,000.

Her father Laurence, a children's author, added: 'We are heartbroken'

Among those paying tribute today was fellow comic Sukh Ojla, who posted: 'I am utterly broken. My best friend, my soul sister and my cheerleader. Love you forever Maddy. May you rest in eternal peace darling.'

Former agent Ellie Cahill-Nicholls said: 'I can’t say how sad I am to hear the news about Maddy Anholt.  I absolutely loved working with her - she was so talented, incredibly hard working and just so much fun.  I just can’t believe it.  My thoughts are with her family at what must be an impossible time.'

Comedy producer Gina Lyons said: 'Can’t quite believe this @maddy_anholt was an incredibly kind and talented human. Genuinely one of the best ones. Sending love to her family. People say our loss is heavens gain and it couldn’t be more true for Maddy.'

Her book, How to Leave Your Psychopath, was about toxic relationships. At the time of its publication,  she said: ' An extraordinary number of people are utterly trapped in controlling and coercive relationships. For many years, I was one of them, and what I desperately needed back then was a straightforward survival guide to explain what the hell was going on.  I decided to write the book I wish I'd read ten years ago.’'

She performed four solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe from 2013 to 2017  and starred in the Radio 4 comedy-drama No Smoke. TV credits include  Tim Renkow’s Jerk, The Emily Atack show and Dane Baptiste’s Sunny D.