Caroline Aherne, Comedian Behind ‘Royle Family,’ Dies at 52

Little Britain star David Walliams was among many paying tribute, calling her a “true comedy genius”, adding her work was “equally amusing & touching”.

The Royle Family actress passed away at her home in Manchester on Saturday aged 52 after a battle with lung cancer.

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”.

“It was just so moving”, concert-goer Aimee Breeden told the Mirror.

John Thompson started out in comedy with Aherne under the name the Mitzi Goldberg Experience and they later starred in The Fast Show together.

Meanwhile, her heartbroken brother Patrick – who as we reported yesterday is a close friend of her Royle Family co-star Ricky Tomlinson – said, “She is now in a better place and most of all, she has no pain”. The Royle Family is one of the greatest British comedies.

Caroline Aherne was one of TV’s brightest comic talents, whose character Mrs Merton and northern sitcom The Royle Family became instant classics.

The BBC show was the toast of the 1999 British Comedy Awards, scooping four trophies including best actress for Aherne.

“My brother and I were born with cancer of the eyes, the retina, my mum told us only special people get cancer. So wherever you are…” he said, pointing upwards.

Funnyman Tim McGarry also paid his respects to Aherne as he remembered one her George Best interview. “This is the first time she’s made me cry without laughing”.

Our thoughts and hearts are with Caroline Aherne’s family during this hard time.

Noel Gallagher, a fellow Manchunian and long-time friend of Aherne’s, used Instagram to pay respect to his friend of over 20 years, posting a photo of the star with the caption “RIP Kaz…I shall sing for you tonight”.

“She never talked about her health, ever”.

“What a voice, what a mind, what a woman”.

“Things like The Office would not have happened so quickly had it not been for the Royle Family – I’m not saying it would have never happened – it would have eventually – but she paved the way and showed people that it would work”. I’ll miss her silliness, her intelligence, her laughter and her joy.