At 52, Caroline Aherne leaves behind a comedy legacy that will endure for many years.
Her pioneering work on Mrs. Merton, The Fast Show and The Royle Family - which she wrote and created - has been lauded by fellow comedians and actors all day since the news broke of her passing from cancer.
Her co-star on The Royle Family, Ralf Little, commented that Aherne was "(a) character. A legend. A boss. A sister, real and (for me) fake. A boss. A writer. An actor. A genius. A friend," whilst David Walliams and Matt Lucas both offered tributes.
Thing is, amidst all sadness Caroline would now say something grounded, incisive, and hilarious. I can't think of anything, but she would.
— Ralf Little (@RalfLittle) July 2, 2016
Lucas said that her work "moved television comedy on to a new place. Her extraordinary work will be cherished by future generations," whilst David Baddiel simply said that her passing "really done me in."
Caroline Aherne moved television comedy on to a new place. Her extraordinary work will be cherished by future generations.
— Matt Lucas (@RealMattLucas) July 2, 2016
Meanwhile, many of Gogglebox's stars posted tributes to the series narrator on Twitter.
@C4Gogglebox @studiolambert so sad to hear that Caroline Aherne has died she was the voice of Gogglebox amongst her many talents #RIP😥
— GoggleboxViv & Ralf (@viv1gogglebox) July 2, 2016
Deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the passing of Caroline Aherne, a loss to the Gogglebox family. Thinking of her family. X
— Gogglebox Tappers (@tapperofficial) July 2, 2016
Absolutely gutted to hear about Caroline Aherne's passing. Always been huge fans, such a amazing talent will always be in our hearts RIP ðŸ'¼ðŸ?¼ðŸ'–
— Ellie&Izzi Gogglebox (@ellieandizzi) July 2, 2016
Many people have also shared a famous interview Aherne - in her Mrs. Merton character - did with Debbie McGee, the wife of magician Paul Daniels, which many have cited as the greatest comedy interview on British television.
Aherne's opening question was, "What first attracted you to millionaire Paul Daniels?", which was met with awkward, yet prolonged laughter by both McGee and the audience.
Aherne won numerous comedy awards and was the recipient of a BAFTA in 1995 for her work on Mrs. Merton. The Royle Family, which she co-wrote with Craig Cash, her on-screen husband, won Best Sitcom at the 2007 BAFTAs and the Royal Television Society Award for Best Comedy Drama.
Aherne had suffered from depression and alcoholism for many years and attempted suicide in 1998, a year after her marriage to ex-New Order bassist Peter Hook ended. Aherne had battled two bouts of cancer earlier in her life and had recently took part in a advertising campaign for non-smoking.
