RIP Caroline Ahearne: 1963-2016

Caroline Ahearne, the British writer and actress has died at the age of just 52. Ahearne passed away on Saturday following a battle with cancer.

Ahearne was a hugely popular British personality who started out on the Manchester comedy scene, before going on to work on the likes of The Fast Show as both a performer and writer, and then creating the superb The Royle Family. She also invented the TV personality that was Mrs Merton, and most recently contributed to the narration of the very popular Gogglebox on Channel 4.

The Royle Family

Her publicist Neil Reading said on Saturday: “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.”

She was a true genius and taken from us far too soon.

Speaking in 2014, she said: “My brother and I were born with cancer of the eyes, the retina, my mum told us only special people get cancer. I must be very special because I have had it in my lungs and my bladder as well.”

We could not have agreed more. Rest in peace.