Sophiya Haque, from Coronation Street, had been performing on the West End in Privates on Parade, when she was diagnosed with cancer. She has now died, aged 41.

Before Christmas she was diagnosed with cancer, but since then, as the BBC reports, she had been suffering with pneumonia due to her compromised immune system. A blood clot had also formed in her lungs. All of these symptoms contributed to her death. Since it was made public her colleagues, friends and fans have taken to the internet to air their best memories of her, and their gried.

"She was a true force of nature and her glorious performance as Sylvia in Privates on Parade is one that will be remembered with great joy," said the Michael Grandage Company, who she was working with on Privates on Pirade. "A spirited lady, she lived life to the full, and her presence in the theatre will be sorely missed. The company would like to dedicate the remaining performances to her memory."

Praising her acting skills, they said: "She played Sylvia Morgan, a Welsh-Indian singer and dancer performing for the British troops in Malaya in 1948. Sylvia suffers both physical and mental abuse, and Haque rose admirably to the challenge of portraying the character's complexities."

Likewise, ITV also issued a statement on behalf of Coronation Street. "We are saddened to hear the terrible news of Sophiya's death," it said. "She was a vibrant and beautiful actress who was a pleasure to have around during her time on Coronation Street. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very sad time.