Maddy Anholt dead at 35: TV star and charity campaigner passes away following battle with rare and aggressive brain cancer – months after daughter’s birth

BBC star Maddy Anholt has passed away aged 35. 

The charity campaigner, writer and TV star, who starred in BBC, ITV and Channel 4 sitcoms and appeared on This Morning, died after a battle with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer – following the birth of her daughter Opal last year.

In a GoFundMe post shared on Wednesday night, Maddy’s family wrote: ‘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…

‘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.

‘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.’

Last year, Maddy released How to Leave Your Psychopath: The Essential Handbook for Escaping Toxic Relationships, a book about her plight in an abusive relationship. 

Back in 2015, the comedian revealed she was hoping to raise £3,500 to travel to Scotland in search of her ‘perfect prince’, having exhausted the dating scene in her native London at the time – prior to meeting her husband.

She told FEMAIL at the time: ‘Dating can be an expensive business, especially if you’re an independent woman like myself…

‘Having spent all my money dating the men of London, I’ve barely got the train fare to Watford, let alone Edinburgh. So I’m turning to the public to fund this fairy tale ending… 

‘I came up with the concept for the show after going on so many hilariously appalling internet dates and a good friend of mine saying I should write a book of them – I went one step better.’

Shock: The charity campaigner and TV star, who starred in BBC, ITV and Channel 4 sitcoms and appeared on This Morning, died after a battle with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer – following the birth of her daughter Opal last year (pictured in 2018)