httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWPoveOsIaI
Aherne, star and writer of The Royle Family and The Mrs Merton Show, had suffered from cancer, her publicist said.
Sue Johnston, who played Barbara – the mother of Aherne’s character Denise – in The Royle Family, said: “I am devastated at her passing and I am numb with grief.”
Actor and writer Mark Gatiss said Aherne was “So gifted”, and Little Britain star David Walliams wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely devastating news about Caroline Aherne. A true comedy genius, her work was equally funny & touching.”
Some also recalled their favourite lines, with DJ and writer Danny Baker writing on Twitter: “Goodbye great Caroline Aherne. A gift & language that lives on. A vegetarian? That’s a shame. Could she have some wafer-thin ham, Barbara?”.
The Royle Family, which ran for three series and featured in several specials, told the story of a dysfunctional family.
“She was a brilliant, award-winning comedy writer and performer, much loved by audiences – especially for The Royle Family and Mrs Merton and for her wonderful voicing of many shows.”