Cornelia Frances – the Australian actress who played Home and Away's legendary Morag Bellingham – has died at the age of 77.
Frances was diagnosed with bladder cancer last year and revealed back in February that it had spread to her hip, but was determined to defeat her illness.
But the icon sadly lost her cancer battle on Monday (May 28), according to Australia's Daily Telegraph, and died peacefully surrounded by family and friends.
Although she was born in Liverpool, she emigrated to Australia in 1970 and that's where her acting career flourished.
To UK audiences, Frances was best known for her long-running role of go-to lawyer Morag on Home and Away from 1988 until 1993, appearing as a permanent character and then on a recurring semi-regular basis from 2001.
She also appeared in other Aussie soaps with portrayals of nasty characters such as Sister Grace Scott on Nine Network series The Young Doctors, and Barbara Hamilton on Sons and Daughters on Network Seven.
She was also host of the Australian version of The Weakest Link.
Frances is survived by her son Lawrence.
Paying tribute, Home and Away's Ray Meagher – aka her on-screen brother Alf – 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."
A statement from Home and Away's Australian network Seven added: "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."
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