Actress Cornelia Frances, who was best-known for her role as Alf Stewart's sister Morag Bellingham in Home & Away, has passed away at the age of 77.
The Liverpool-born actress, who was the niece of renowned filmmaker Michael Powell, had been battling bladder cancer after being diagnosed last year, as well as other recent health problems including a fractured hip bone and a throat ulcer.
After emigrating from the UK to Australia in 1970, she enjoyed huge success on the small screen with roles in TV shows like Sons and Daughters, The Young Doctors and as host of the Australian version of The Weakest Link.
She first appeared as Morag Bellingham in Home & Away from 1988 until 1993, and then again on a semi-regular basis from 2001 until 2017.
R.I.P.
See the reaction from fans and colleagues below:
One of Australia's best known actors has died. Cornelia Frances played Morag Bellingham on @homeandaway. The 77-year-old died in Sydney last night surrounded by family and friends.#7News pic.twitter.com/Io3tgAvEvn
— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) May 29, 2018
RIP Cornelia Frances. A stalwart of the Oz entertainment industry. We worked together on Sons and Daughters and toured England together once in a play. A great character who will be greatly missed.
— Noel Hodda (@NoelHodda) May 28, 2018
We've sadly lost the beautiful Cornelia Frances, who played #HomeandAway fan favourite Morag over the past three decades.
We send our deepest condolences to all of Corney's loved ones, and we'll be adding a fuller tribute over the next couple of days.https://t.co/eYssBiGbet
— Back to the Bay (@backtothebay) May 29, 2018
Big part of my childhood @HomeandAwayTV with the Stewart family and the amazing #morag RIP #CorneliaFrances x pic.twitter.com/PrPbSLsaIn
— Rob Hall (@RobbieUK84) May 29, 2018
What a wonderful, stand-alone TV bitch! Beat everyone else hands-down. I loved watching her when I was growing up. Amazing actress now at peace #CorneliaFrances
— Joanna Smith (@strawberrisc) May 29, 2018
REST IN PEACE #CorneliaFrances you wonderfully talented soul. Be in peace now sweet lady 😙ðŸ˜ðŸ'•
— Hannah 🦄 (@edalislecullenx) May 29, 2018
She'll always be Sister Scott from THE YOUNG DOCTORS for me. Thank you, Cornelia Frances. pic.twitter.com/xXF31BMj3B
— Katie Purvis (@katiemelb) May 29, 2018
Whenever Cornelia Frances used to say you’re the weakest link. I felt that pic.twitter.com/Pkayp9pgHQ
— ash (@ashleighkatexx) May 29, 2018
How incredibly sad it is to hear of Cornelia Frances’ passing. She was a true staple in the Australian television industry. #RIPMorag
— Maddie Date (@datemads) May 29, 2018
