Comedian Caroline Aherne dead at 52

LONDON, July 3 (UPI) -- British comedian Caroline Aherne has died after a long battle with cancer. She was 52.

Aherne was the star and writer of The Royle Family and The Mrs. Merton Show, the narrator of the reality program Gogglebox and a cast member of the sketch comedy series The Fast Show.

"Caroline Aherne has sadly passed away, after a brave battle with cancer," her publicist Neil Reading told the BBC Saturday. "The BAFTA award-winning writer and comedy actor died earlier today at her home in Timperley, Greater Manchester. She was 52. The family ask for privacy at this very sad time."

Aherne had suffered from cancer of the retina as a child and was later diagnosed with bladder and lung cancer.

Despite her success as one of Britain's best-loved comedy figures, The Telegraph said the funny lady had spent much of her life fighting depression and alcoholism, as well as dealing with her health issues.