Comedian Caroline Aherne Dies Of Cancer At 52

Comedian Caroline Aherne has died at the age of 52 after a battle with cancer, her publicist has said.

The actress, best known for her roles in The Mrs Merton Show, The Fast Show and The Royle Family, died at her home in Timperley, Greater Manchester.
Neil Reading, her publicist, said on Saturday: "Caroline Aherne has sadly passed away, after a brave battle with cancer.
"The BAFTA award-winning writer and comedy actor died earlier today at her home in Timperley, Greater Manchester.
"The family ask for privacy at this very sad time."

Aherne, who had been a smoker, had been battling lung cancer and had also previously been treated for bladder and eye cancer.
She had struggled with health problems for years, and also fought depression and drink problems before moving to Australia to avoid publicity.
The writer was married to former New Order guitarist Peter Hook but they separated and she began a romance with TV researcher Matt Bowers who died from cancer at the age of 28 after they had split.
Actress Sue Johnston, who played Barbara in The Royle Family, said in a statement: "I am devastated at her passing and I am numb with grief."
Ralf Little, who played her brother Antony in the sitcom, wrote on Twitter: "Sorry for silence - I just... don't know what to say. What a sad, sad day. We've lost another one of our best.
"A character. A legend. A boss. A sister, real and (for me) fake. A boss. A writer. An actor. A genius. A friend. Big, big heart. Goodbye. X"
Aherne grew up in Wythenshawe, Manchester, and was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the retina as a child, which left her with severely impaired sight in one eye.
She gained public attention for her roles as the Checkout Girl and weather girl in The Fast Show where she pronounced temperatures would be "Scorchio!" for all locations.

But it was for her role as blue-rinse granny Mrs Merton, which first aired in 1995, that she became a household name.
The Royle Family, which Aherne co-wrote along with friend Craig Cash - who played Dave Best in the show - came after a suicide attempt.
The show won four awards at the British Comedy Awards in 1999.
Aherne was nominated for BAFTAs for her performances in both Mrs Merton and The Royle Family, as well as for her directing in the sitcom in 2001.