Celebs speak out to pay tribute to Caroline Aherne, who died yesterday aged 52

Caroline-Aherne

by Sophie Bronstein |
Published on

Ricky Tomlinson, the man that played Caroline Aherne's father in sitcom The Royle Family has now spoken out on his sadness after hearing the news of Caroline's passing.

Caroline Aherne passed away yesterday from cancer, ages just 52. Fans, celebs and co-stars all rushed to pay tribute to the star - with 76-year-old Ricky telling the Sunday Mirror: "I'm so bloody shocked. She was absolutely wonderful and amazing to work for. Kind, funny, witty.

A true professional and one of the most generous people I ever worked with".

Ricky also took the time to express that despite Caroline suffering from illness, she was never caught looking unwell or complaining.

He also added: "She never flagged in work and the atmosphere when she was writing and acting was brilliant".

Caroline's other co-star Ralf Little took to Twitter to express his sadness.

He wrote: "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.'

Sue Johnston, who played her mother on the show said: "I'm devastated at her passing and I am numb with grief".

Comedian and friend David Baddiel said: "She was a really love woman. Vulnerable and complex and damaged but... lovely".

Comedian Matt Lucas also tweeted: "Caroline Aherne moved television comedy on to a new place. Her extraordinary work will be cherished by future generations".

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

Previously, Caroline had spoken out about her cancer diagnosis, saying "When you hear them telling you you have cancer, it's true that you really don't take it in properly, you just don't think of the questions".

And, on reflection on her time in hospital, Caroline commented on the experience: "So many funny things happen when you're in there and, looking back, you do have a right laugh with the nurses, although I was on morphine, so maybe it was just me laughing.

But that's a way you can cope with it. If you can separate yourself from it, a sense of humour really, really helps".

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