Caroline Aherne dead: Heartbroken brother pays moving tribute

Beloved actress, writer and comedian Caroline Aherne lost her brave battle with cancer over the weekend – aged 52.

Caroline Aherne

by Hannah Mellin |
Published on

Caroline had previously announced that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer just two years ago, having already suffered with eye and bladder cancer previously throughout her life.

Caroline Aherne

Her publicist Neil Reading announced her passingin this statement:

"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 poured in for the ever-so-popular ladywho was most famous for her role in British sitcoms The Royle Family and Mrs Merton - amongst so many more.

She also voiced Channel 4’s Gogglebox right up until her death.

However, the most poignant tribute so far came from her devastated brother Patrick.

In a moving statement released just days after his sister’s passing, he told The Daily Mirror:

"My heart is broken as I loved her so much. But she is now in a better place and most of all she has no pain.

“I have lost a beautiful sister and the world has lost an amazing talent.

"I know Caroline would want everybody to be happy and not sad and I think we should now remember the comedy legacy that she has left for us. RIP Caroline."

The royale family

Actor Ricky Tomlinson, who played Caroline’s dad in The Royle Family and is also an extremely close friend of the family, also paid his respects to his dear colleague and friend:

"Her death is the biggest shock in the world.

"It’s knocked me for six. Patrick said she was in good spirits last time we spoke."

Another one of Caroline close pals, Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher, paid an emotional tribute to her last night on stage in Nashville.

He told the crowd that his next song was for a ‘very, very, very funny woman.'

All our thoughts go out to Caroline’s friends and family during this sad time.

Her talent is irreplaceable.

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