Comedian Victoria Wood, who lived in Highgate, has died from cancer at the age of 62, it has been announced.

The Lancashire born entertainer and writer enjoyed a varied and hugely successful career spanning 40 years, and was perhaps best known for the award-winning BBC sitcom, Dinnerladies, and for her long-running collaboration with actress Julie Walters.

Her publicist Neil Reading confirmed her death in a statement this afternoon.

He said: “Victoria Wood has sadly passed away, after a short but brave battle with cancer.

“The multi-Bafta award-winning writer, director, actor and comedian died peacefully at her north London home with family this morning.”

Tributes have begun flooding in for the much loved comic since news of her death was announced.

Actor Ricky Gervais, who lives in Hampstead, tweeted: “RIP the brilliant Victoria Wood. So innovative, funny and down to earth. This has not been a good year.”

She leaves behind a daughter, Grace, and a son, Henry.

More to follow.