Tributes paid to much-loved Home and Away actress who has died

Pic via @homaandaway / Instagram

Much loved Home and Away actress Cornelia Frances has died following a battle with cancer.

The 77 year old was probably best known in Ireland for playing the tough, strong and passionate lawyer Morag Bellingham in long-running soap Home and Away.

She was diagnosed with bladder cancer last year, which spread to her hip.

Cornelia emigrated from Liverpool to Austrailia in 1970.

Her death was announced on Home and Away's local broadcaster, Seven Network, today.

Home and away actor and her on screen brother (Alf) Ray Meagher told the Daily Telegraph "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."

Cornelia Frances - Home and Away actor and host of The Weakest Link - has died aged 77. pic.twitter.com/iGuqq0m1v7

— Michael Lallo (@Michael_Lallo) May 29, 2018

Vale #CorneliaFrances. You were always ahead of the game. Will miss your witty banter on-set X

— Lincoln Younes (@lincolnyounes1) May 29, 2018

RIP Cornelia Frances ❤? You will always be remembered. My very first scene in H & A was with Cornelia..I was terrified..but she was the kindest and not once made me feel like an amateur or less than. So lucky to have worked with such a talented, strong woman. Much much love to all her family and friends right now xxxx #corneliafrances #rip

A post shared by Esther Anderson (Mrs Moggs) (@estheranderson1) on May 28, 2018 at 10:12pm PDT

We are saddened to hear the news of Cornelia Frances' passing after a long battle with cancer. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. She was a much loved and valued member of the Home And Away family.

A post shared by Home and Away (@homeandaway) on May 28, 2018 at 9:10pm PDT