British-born actress Cornelia Frances, best-known for her role in Australian soap Home and Away has died aged 77.
Frances, born in Liverpool, had been in the entertainment industry for more than half a century following training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
After moving to Australia she became a stalwart of the small screen, starring as Morag Bellingham on Home and Away as well as hosting the Australian version of The Weakest Link.
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Ray Meagher, who played Cornelia’s on screen brother Alf Stewart, said: “Cornie was an incredibly loved and valued member of our cast over many, many years.
“We had a moment of silence for her on set this morning and she’ll be sadly missed by both cast and crew.”
Channel Seven said: “Cornelia Frances was a unique person. Her on screen presence inspired a generation of actors.
“This gift was coupled with an ability to bring a sense of dignity and presence into each room she entered. Her energy and character will be missed.”
Lincoln Younes, who was in Home and Away from 2011 to 2014, tweeted: “#CorneliaFrances. You were always ahead of the game. Will miss your witty banter on-set X.”
Channel 5, which airs the Aussie soap in the UK paid tribut on Twitter, saying: “Cornelia brought the matter-of-fact character of Morag Bellingham to Summer Bay with a bang. We send our kindest thoughts to her family back in Australia.”
Cornelia brought the matter-of-fact character of Morag Bellingham to Summer Bay with a bang. We send our kindest thoughts to her family back in Australia. ♥ Read more: https://t.co/8WvTVccvaI #HomeandAway pic.twitter.com/WmZ9qltHvj
— Home and Away (@HomeandAwayTV) 29 May 2018
Her career also saw her take on roles in dramas including Sons and Daughters, The Young Doctors and Prisoner.
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In an interview at the start of the year, Cornelia revealed she was battling cancer.
She told Sydney paper the Daily Telegraph she had been diagnosed during a checkup at the Royal North Shore Hospital, which was used as the Albert Memorial Hospital in the Young Doctors.
“I discovered I had bladder cancer. This then spread to my hip bone which fractured, and then I almost died from loss of blood due to an ulcer in my throat,” she said.
“Despite all this, I am still here, as the old song goes.”
What are your favourite memories of Cornelia’s TV characters? Let us know by commenting on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix!