BREAKING: Shopaholic author Sophie Kinsella dies aged 55 after cancer battle

Author Sophie Kinsella has sadly died, aged 55, after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, her family has said. The mum-of-five, famed for her books Confessions of a Shopaholic, whose real name was Madeleine Sophie Wickham, received a diagnosis of glioblastoma in 2022.

A statement posted to her Instagram account read: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing this morning of our beloved Sophie (aka Maddy, aka Mummy). She died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy. We can’t imagine what life will be like without her radiance and love of life.

“Despite her illness, which she bore with unimaginable courage, Sophie counted herself truly blessed – to have such wonderful family and friends, and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career.

“She took nothing for granted and was forever grateful for the love she received. She will be missed so much our hearts are breaking.”

Last year, Sophie, who amassed millions of fans around the world with her Shopaholic series, which follow protagonist, Rebecca Bloomwood, wrote a semi-autobiographical book, exploring her battle with cancer.

The author, whose books were made into a film starring Isla Fisher, announced in April 2024 she had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Sophie wrote on Instagram at the time: “At the end of 2022 I was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of aggressive brain cancer.

“I did not share this before because I wanted to make sure that my children were able to hear and process the news in privacy and adapt to our ‘new normal”.’

She also shared that she had been receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Paying tribute to Sophie following the news of her death, fans praised the “literary genius” as one said: “I am so sad to read this. Her books have given me so much joy over the years – real laugh out loud moments. Rest peacefully you literary genius.”

Another wrote: “So sad to hear this news. Adore her books. Sending condolences to Sophie’s family and friends.”

Meanwhile, a third penned: “She was an incredible lady. I can’t believe there won’t be another new world for us to get lost into, but her work and the worlds she created will continue forever. Thank you Sophie Kinsella, for providing an escape.”

Source: Mirror