Maggie Fox, a former Coronation Street and Shameless actress died unexpectedly in what was described as a “sudden accident.”

Following the actress’s passing, her family has expressed their “heartbreak.”

She was allegedly surrounded by her loved ones when she passed away. The circumstances behind the accident have not been disclosed though.

Maggie has already appeared in two episodes of the long-running ITV serial – most notably as Ruth Audsley in 2001 and as a guest star in 2008.

Among her other film and television performances are Reckless and The Forsyte Saga.

Maggie’s comedy partner Sue Ryder has said that Maggie’s family is “in a state of shock” as a result of her untimely passing.

She shared the following on Facebook:

“It is with tremendous regret that I must announce the passing of Maggie Fox, my long-time comedy partner and co-Artistic Director of LipService, who passed away this week. Maggie died away peacefully with her family at her side yesterday.”

Sue went on to say:

“As a result, the Spring Tour of Chateau Ghoul has been postponed till further notice. As you may guess, I am absolutely and utterly devastated.”

Fans have also paid respect to the soap star on social media sites such as Twitter.