Australian actress Cornelia Frances has died following a battle with cancer, local media have reported.

Frances, 77, who was born in the UK but emigrated to Australia in 1970, died overnight at her home in Sydney.

The actress was best known for her role as Morag Bellingham on the long-running soap Home and Away.

She had endured a series of health struggles in recent times after being diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2017.

Her co-stars and other Australian celebrities have been paying tribute on social media.

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

— Lincoln Younes (@lincolnyounes1) May 29, 2018

I met Cornelia Frances when I was 11. I was pretty terrified but she could not have been sweeter and I have always remembered that. Sad day.

— Joel Creasey (@joelcreasey) May 29, 2018

So deeply saddened to hear of the passing of darling friend Cornelia Francis #fabulouswoman #heartofgold 🌹🌹🌹😢😢

— Rhonda Burchmore (@rhondaburchmore) May 29, 2018

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