Ralf Little has paid a heartbreaking tribute to his ‘The Royle Family’ co-star Caroline Aherne.
The 52-year-old actress passed away on Saturday (02.07.16) following a battle with cancer and Ralf, who played Antony Royle, the brother of Caroline’s Denise, took to Twitter to share his grief.
He wrote: "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"
He also praised Caroline’s way with words, adding: "Thing is, amidst all sadness Caroline would now say something grounded, incisive, and hilarious. I can’t think of anything, but she would."
And he shared a memorable conversation between their characters on ‘The Royle Family’, writing Antony’s quote about Denise’s husband, "Dave eats like a pig and you never say owt to him," followed by her reply, "That’s asthma, thanks very much!"
Ralf wasn’t her only co-star to share his grief on Twitter as ‘Coronation Street’ actor Andrew Whyment, who also worked with Caroline on ‘The Royle Family’, wrote: "So sad 2 hear the passing of Caroline Aherne it was a privilege to have worked with her on the Royle Family very talented woman indeed RIP X"
Meanwhile, a number of other stars took to social media to pay tribute, with ‘EastEnders’ actress Patsy Palmer writing: "Devastating news about Caroline Aherne. What a truly talented and lovely lovely person. RIP you will be missed."
Ellie Goulding wrote: "So so sad to hear about Caroline Aherne. The Royle Family is one of the greatest British comedies. She really was a comic genius. Sleep well," and Nick Grimshaw said: "Ah I love Caroline Aherne! Such sad news to hear she’s died. So loved in the Grimshaw household. One of my favourites, rest in peace X."
Lily Allen tweeted: "Nooooo Caroline Aherne !!!!!! Sleep well you absolute genius x" while Phillip Schofield wrote: "So desperately sad to hear of the death of Caroline Aherne. Such a unique and gifted lady. Lots of love to all her family & friends."
‘Empire’ actor Max Beesley wrote on Instagram: "Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my dear old friend #carolineAherne. She was a one off talent with a heart of gold. A real diamond. Bless you darling you will be missed love."
David Walliams tweeted: "Absolutely devastating news about Caroline Aherne. A true comedy genius, her work was equally funny & touching."
Caroline’s publicist Neil Reading announced her death in a statement, saying: "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. She was 52. The family ask for privacy at this very sad time."
Caroline and her brother were both born with retina cancer and she later suffered from the disease in her bladder and her lungs. She took time out from ‘Gogglebox’ to reportedly fight throat cancer but returned to the show earlier this year.
Speaking in 2014, she said: "My brother and I were born with cancer of the eyes, the retina, my mum told us only special people get cancer. I must be very special because I have had it in my lungs and bladder as well."
She was married to Peter Hook of the rock band New Order from 1994 until 1997.
Ralf Little’s heartbreaking tribute to Caroline Aherne
