Danika McGuigan, famed for her role as Danielle in RTE's Can't Cope, Won't Cope, has died after a battle with cancer. The 33-year-old actor, the daughter of Irish boxer Barry McGuigan, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

McGuigan had recently wrapped up work on Irish writer-director Cathy Brady's Wildfire, in which she and Nora-Jane Noone co-starred as sisters growing up on the Irish border. She has also appeared in Jim Sheridan's The Secret Scripture, alongside Rooney Mara.

In a statement, McGuigan's family confirmed reports of her death: "After a brief but brave battle against cancer, Nika passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday, July 23, surrounded by her loving family."

Roisin Ingle is among those who have paid tribute to the actor following the news, describing her as "a sparkling talent".

This is so sad for all her friends and family. Nika McGuigan, a sparkling talent who gave so many of us joy in Can't Cope Won't Cope, has died aged 30 ... https://t.co/UlumQCCL1Q via @IrishTimesCultr

— Róisín Ingle (@roisiningle) July 24, 2019

Amy Huberman, who appeared alongside McGuigan in Can't Cope, Won't Cope, called her a "talented, fantastic, [and] shining" actor.

Deeply shocked and saddened at the devastating news about the talented, fantastic, shining Nika McGuigan. Heartbroken for all her family and friends. Rest In Peace Nika xx

— Amy Huberman (@amyhuberman) July 24, 2019

Stephanie Preissner, the creator of the hit series, also expressed her sympathies, noting that "Can't Cope Won't Cope wouldn't have been the same without her".

Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Nika McGuigan- the brilliant, lovely, Danielle in Can’t Cope Won’t Cope wouldn’t have been the same without her. Deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. Xxx pic.twitter.com/cDo5fXClzV

— Stefanie Preissner (@StefPreissner) July 24, 2019

Her brother, boxing coach Shane McGuigan, took to Instagram to pay tribute to his "beautiful sister". In his post, he revealed that McGuigan had "overcome [cancer] once with a 2 year fight when she was 11 to 13."

Revisit our May 2018 interview with McGuigan, in which she talked to Stuart Clark about the real life friendship at the heart of Can't Cope, Won't Cope, rubbing shoulders with acting royalty and Repealing The 8th, here.