BBC viewers were left deeply moved by a documentary that charted the life and untimely death of Caroline Aherne.
Best remembered for her generation-defining roles as talk show host Mrs Merton and Denise in The Royle Family, which she also co-wrote with Craig Cash, Caroline passed away in July 2016 at just 52 years old following a battle with lung cancer.
BBC Two screened a touching documentary last evening, paying homage to Caroline's extraordinary impact on comedy and acting, celebrating her as a pioneering force in the industry.
Fans shared their reflections online, with one writing: "Feel a sense of sadness every time i think of caroline aherne, very talented lady x," whilst a second added: "Watching the Caroline Aherne documentary on bbc2, what a talent, taken too early."
Others posted emotional tributes, as one shared: "The Caroline Aherne documentary, still very sad all these years later @BBCTwo," and another added: "That Caroline Aherne documentary was moving, what a GENIUS she was."
Craig Cash, Caroline's co-star and co-writer, delivered a heartfelt recollection during the programme.
Having played husband and wife on-screen, their real-life bond was evident; he shared her final words to him: "I was just in denial. I just kept saying no, just kept repeating no. There's a lot to be said for denial. And she was like, 'But we had some laughs though didn't we, Cashy."" The recollection left him emotional and he subsequently left the interview in tears.
Back in 2014, Caroline joined forces with Macmillan Cancer Support to enhance cancer care services in Manchester.
Reflecting on the initiative, she commented: "I've had cancer and my brother's had cancer and we know how it affects people. They've asked me to get involved and I'm really glad that I can do my bit to encourage Manchester people to speak up about where things do go wrong with cancer care. Our survival rates are 25% lower than average and the number of people getting lung cancer is a third higher here than in the rest of England."
Her brother Patrick also spoke out, revealing that Caroline was diagnosed "late last year" and explaining that "the form of lung cancer that she is suffering from is genetic and linked to the retinoblastoma she had as a baby".
*Caroline Aherne: Queen of Comedy is available to catch up on BBC iPlayer.
