Comedian had been battling cancer

Royle Family star Caroline Aherne has died at the age of 52 after a battle with cancer, her publicist has said.

She was also known for Mrs Merton, The Fast Show and narrating the Channel 4 reality series Gogglebox.

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.'

Tributes have been flooding in on Twitter.

Ralf Little, who played her brother Antony in The Royle Family, said Aherne was 'a sister, real and (for me) fak., as well as a genius and a friend with a 'big, big heart.'

Matt Lucas said: 'Caroline Aherne moved television comedy on to a new place. Her extraordinary work will be cherished by future generations.'

His Little Britain co-star David Walliams added: 'Absolutely devastating news about Caroline Aherne. A true comedy genius, her work was equally funny & touching.'

Coronation Street star Denise Welch said: 'My comedy hero has died. What a valiant battle she fought. Loved you.'

And director Edgar Wright tweeted: 'Very sad to hear of Caroline Aherne's passing. Such a talented writer and performer. She could make you smile immediately. Such funny bones.'

Aherne had a long history of health problems. During the 1990s she suffered from depression and alcoholism.

She has suffered from bladder cancer and from a rare cancer of the retina. In 2014 she embarked on a programme of treatment for lung cancer.

Published: 2 Jul 2016