The very sad breaking news is that comedy actress and writer Caroline Aherne has died aged 52 from cancer.
Having achieved career lift-off in the 1990s with her alter ego Mrs. Merton – “So, what Debbie first attracted you to the millionaire Paul Daniels?” – she was a regular on The Fast Show and The Royle Family.
Married for four years to New Order’s Peter Hook, she was diagnosed as suffering from lung cancer in 2014 and was recently the voice behind the UK government’s One You health campaign, which urged people to smoke and drink less.
Tributes have been flooding in with Matt Lucas saying: “Caroline Aherne moved television comedy on to a new place. Her extraordinary work will be cherished by future generations.” Those sentiments are echoed by his Little Britain co-star who adds: "Absolutely devastating news about Caroline Aherne. A true comedy genius, her work was equally funny & touching."
“Nooooo Caroline Aherne !!!!!! Sleep well you absolute genius x,” tweets Lily Allen while Philip Schofield messages: “So desperately sad to hear of the death of Caroline Aherne. Such a unique and gifted lady.”