Actress Caroline Aherne has died, aged 52.

The Royle Family star had been fighting cancer lung cancer for the past two years. Her publicist Neil Reading confirmed the news today:

"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.

Caroline also starred in Mrs Merton, The Fast Show, and narrated Gogglebox.