Author Sophie Kinsella, who is known for her bestselling Shopaholic novel series, has died aged 55 after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.

The novelist, whose real name is Madeleine Sophie Wickham, announced her diagnosis in an Instagram post in April last year, explaining that she had been receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

© Stefania D'Alessandro Sophie Kinsella has passed away aged 55

Kinsella's death was announced by her family in a post shared to her Instagram account. It read: "We are heartbroken to announce the passing this morning of our beloved Sophie (aka Maddy, aka Mummy). She died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy.

"We can't imagine what life will be like without her

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