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Ricky Tomlinson Pays Emotional Tribute To Royle Family Co-Star Caroline Aherne

Yesterday it was sadly announced that TV legend Caroline Aherne had tragically passed away from cancer at the age of 52.

The stars were out in force to pay tribute to the much-loved actress and comedian, and Ricky Tomlinson ‘choked back tears’ as he paid his respects to his former co-star in an emotional new interview.

Ricky played Caroline’s dad in hilarious show The Royle Family and has been left devastated by her passing.

Speaking to The Mirror, he shared: “I’m so bloody shocked. She was absolutely wonderful and amazing to work for. Kind, funny, witty.

"A true professional and one of the most generous people I have ever worked with.”

Caroline was born with a rare form of retina cancer and also previously beat bladder cancer but was sadly diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago, however, Ricky recalls that the star never once complained.

He added: “She never talked about her health, ever. I can never ever remember her complaining.

"She must have gone through a lot but I never saw her looking unwell. She never flagged in work and the atmosphere when she was writing and acting was brilliant.

"Her death is the biggest shock in the world. It’s knocked me for six.

"Patrick [her brother] said she was in good spirits last time we spoke. We were planning to meet in a pub in Manchester where I was doing a little talk two weeks ago, but he didn’t show up.

"Someone said: 'Everything’s fine, he’s gone back to Spain’ and I thought that’s good… She must be on the mend because he wouldn’t have gone away if she was ill.”

Ricky also revealed that he’d spoken to Royle Family creator Craig Cash just weeks ago and was reassured that Caroline was doing okay.

He continued: “Craig told me 'She’s not bad, Ricky’ and I was so pleased. I’m a bit of a bloody weepy and I wouldn’t get in touch with her, see.

"I’d start crying. So I’ve not seen her properly, other than the odd event, since we worked together. But I spoke to Craig and we were going to get together.”

Caroline’s publicist Neil Reading announced the tragic news yesterday in a statement, confirming: “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.”