Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson dies, aged 61

The lead singer of Roxette, Marie Fredriksson, has died at the age of 61 following a prolonged illness.

Fredriksson was best known as one half of the Swedish pop duo, who had hits with tracks such as Listen To Your Heart, The Look and It Must Have Been Love in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Her family said in a statement to Swedish newspaper the Express: "Marie Fredriksson is most mourned by her husband Mikael Bolyos and their two children.

"It is with great sadness that we have to announce that one of our biggest and most beloved artists is gone. Marie Fredriksson died on the morning of December 9 in the suites of her previous illness."

The band stopped touring in 2016 after 30 years, citing Fredriksson's health.

At the time she was quoted as saying: "It's been an amazing 30 years! I feel nothing but joy and happiness when I look back on the Roxette world tours.

"All our shows and memories over the years will forever be a big part of my life. I'm particularly proud and grateful for coming back in 2009 after my severe illness and to have been able to take Roxette around the globe a couple of more times.

"Sadly, now my touring days are over and I want to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful fans that has followed us on our long and winding journey. I look forward to the release of our album Good Karma in June - for me it's our best album ever!"