Her Seven Sisters books are all global best-sellers, including the latest instalment in the series, The Lost Sister, which was just published in May.

But last night, Lucinda Riley's family released a statement on Twitter to say the author had sadly passed away on June 11th, after a four-year-long battle with cancer. Riley, who was born in Drumbeg, Co Down, moved to Britain as a child, and although studying drama with the intent of becoming an actress, penned her first novel back in 1992, and has since gone on to sell more than 30 million copies of her books worldwide.

A message from Lucinda’s family: pic.twitter.com/4rw9LnotuI

— Lucinda Riley (@lucindariley) June 11, 2021

In a statement addressed to Ms Riley's friends and readers on Twitter last night, her family said: "We are so sorry to have to tell you that Lucinda died peacefully this morning, surrounded by her family, who were so important to her. "We realise that this will be a terrible shock for most people, who won’t have been aware that Lucinda had been battling cancer for four years." "Lucinda touched the lives of all those she met, and those who turned the pages of her stories. She radiated love and kindness in everything she did, and will continue to inspire us all forever," her family said. "Above all, Lucinda loved life, and lived every moment to the full," the family added.