Caroline Aherne with a Bafta for the Royle Family Source: Rebecca Naden/PA Wire/Press Association Images

ACTRESS CAROLINE AHERNE has died at the age of 52 after a battle with cancer, her publicist has said.

The comedian and writer was best known for her roles in the Mrs Merton Show, the Fast Show and the Royle Family. She also narrated Gogglebox.

On the Royle Family set Source: BBC

Neil Reading, her publicist, said in a statement this afternoon: “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.

“The family ask for privacy at this very sad time.”

In 2014, Aherne said she had been diagnosed with lung cancer, having previously battled bladder and eye cancer.

She also struggled with depression and alcoholism.

Actress Sue Johnston, who played her mother Barbara in the Royle Family, said she was “devastated” and “numb with grief”.

Ralf Little, who played her brother Anthony in the popular sitcom, described her as “a legend”.

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Several others have also taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the star.

Zoe Ball described Aherne as “one of the magical ones”, while David Walliams said the news is “absolutely devastating”.

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