This Morning star Maddy Anholt has died aged 35 just one year after welcoming daughter

Writer and actor Maddy Anholt, who regularly appeared on This Morning, has tragically passed away at just 35, her family have said.

Her heartbroken family shared the news on a GoFundMe page, explaining that Maddy had passed away after being diagnosed with a ‘rare and aggressive form of brain cancer’.

Tragically, Maddy had given birth to a little girl just last year, with the fundraiser set up to raise money for the youngster.

In a statement on the page, the Anholt family said: “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.

Instagram/@maddyanholt

“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. 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.

"She spent her final weeks at her parents’ home, Sunflower House, bathed in love and calm, and with the sounds of nature all around.

“In her short life, Maddy accomplished so much. She was a marathon runner, author, speaker, actor and Ambassador for Women’s Aid. Her debut book was published in 2022 and her first fiction will be published soon. As an actor, she appeared in sitcoms for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, while as a speaker she led numerous masterclasses, including for the Guardian.

Instagram/@maddyanholt

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude to the many friends who have upheld us with their love and prayers during this difficult time, as well as the countless nurses, doctors and the NHS as a whole, who treated her with unfailing dignity and compassion. In particular, we would like to thank the magnificent team at Seaton Hospice at Home, who are the embodiment of empathy, professionalism and love.”

Maddy’s family suggested that in lieu of flowers people send a small donation to the fund, which would be used to provide for one-year-old Opal - or that people could make a contribution to Maddy’s favourite charity, Women’s Aid, for which she was an ambassador.

The family also urged people to ‘light a candle. Pray, meditate and hold our precious Maddy in your hearts as she returns to the stars’ at 6.00pm on Saturday 16 September.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week