Friends and co-stars of Caroline Aherne have continued to pay tribute to the much-loved actress, writer and comedian who has died following a battle with cancer.

The Bafta award-winning actress, 52, who wrote and starred in hit TV shows such as the Royle Family and Mrs Merton, died at her home in Timperley on Saturday.

Caroline revealed she had been undergoing treatment for lung cancer in May 2014, having suffered from a rare form of eye cancer as a child and later bladder cancer.

Since her death friends and co-stars have continued to pay tribute to her, describing her as a 'comedy genius'.

Steve Coogan

Alan Partridge comic Steve Coogan hailed his "incredibly funny" long-time friend, telling ITV News: "It was almost like an honour to have her make fun of you because you couldn't help but laugh.

"It's hard to imagine not hearing that laughter."

Ralf Little

Ralf Little, who starred as Antony Royle, brother to Aherne's Denise in The Royle Family, tweeted: "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"

Sue Johnston

Her Royle Family co-star Sue Johnston, who played her on-screen mother, said: "I am devastated at her passing and I am numb with grief."

Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson

A devastated Ricky Tomlinson, who played Caroline’s layabout dad in The Royle Family, said: “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 ever worked with.”

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.”

Noel Gallagher with Caroline Aherne

Oasis star Noel Gallagher , whose Half The World Away provided the theme tune to The Royle Family, posted a broken-heart icon on Instagram and said: “RIP Kaz. I shall sing for you tonight. My God you made us laugh.”

Andy Whyment

Coronation Street’s Andy Whyment – pal Darren on The Royle Family – tweeted: "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".

Comedian John Thomson

Caroline's Fast Show co-star John Thomson said: “I’ve lost a very good friend – we went back years.

"An irreplaceable comic genius. A joy to be and work with.”