BBC star diagnosed with brain cancer after birth of daughter dies

BBC contributor Maddy Anholt has died, having been diagnosed with brain cancer in 2022.

Anholt, 35, is survived by her daughter Opal, whom she gave birth to only months before her diagnosis, and her husband Ben.

Her loved ones confirmed the sad news on a crowdfunding page set up to assist her with the cost of treatment, which will now go towards the care of her daughter.

It read: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of Maddy Anholt, our beloved daughter, sister, twin, friend, wife and mother, who left this world on Wednesday 13th September, aged 35.

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"You may know that shortly after the birth of her incredible daughter Opal last year, Maddy was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer," the statement continued.

"She handled the ensuing surgery and treatment with astonishing grace and courage, accompanied every step of the way by her family and devoted husband, Ben."

The statement described Anholt's final moments "at her parents' home, bathed in love and calm, and with the sounds of nature all around her."

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The actress, author and comedian featured on BBC, Channel 4 and was a regular guest on ITV's this morning where she appeared in 2018 to discuss crowdsourcing a comedy show she put on in Edinburgh.

Watch the video above

Anholt was also an ambassador for domestic violence and toxic relationships.

Her loved ones also suggested in lieu of flowers and contributions to her daughter, the public may wish to contribute to her favourite charity, Women's Aid.

"Maddy was a powerful advocate for women's rights and on publication of her debut book, she was invited to become an Ambassador for Women's Aid, which she carried out with characteristic energy and humour," their statement read.

In Anholt's final social media post, she shared a newspaper article announcing her first fiction book.

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She wrote: "I've been quietly working away on this amongst other things. Delighted to say my first fiction will be published next year by an incredible team @uclan_publishing @ampliterary watch this space, as they say."

Her previous book How to Leave Your Psychopath is credited with helping women leave unhealthy relationships.

Anholt's fiction release is due out in 2024.