BREAKING Dame Jilly Cooper dead: Riders author dies suddenly as family issue statement

Author Jilly Cooper has died at the age of 88.

In a statement, her family said: "Mum, was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock. We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can’t begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all around us."

*This is a breaking showbiz news story. Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage.

• Huge 90s pop star unrecognisable three decades later after drink and drugs hell
• Wayne Lineker leaves Ibiza after admitting party lifestyle made him 'miserable'