Comedian and writer Caroline Aherne, perhaps best known for her role as the co-creator and star of The Royle Family, has died.

She was 52.

Aherne, who also narrated Channel 4's Gogglebox, had been suffering from throat cancer since April of this year. Her publicist confirmed the news earlier today. Aherne first came to prominence on BBC's The Fast Show, starring alongside Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse in a variety of sketches.

Aherne also fronted the Mrs. Merton Show, a mock-talk show in which she interviewed real-life celebrities. Aherne, along with her writing partner Craig Cash, wrote The Royle Family in 1998.

Aherne was briefly married to Peter Hook, the former bassist and co-founder of Joy Division, from 1994 to 1997.