Sophie Kinsella, the author of the bestselling Shopaholic series of novels, has died aged 55, her family have announced.

The writer, whose real name is Madeleine Sophie Wickham, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer 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.”

It continued: “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.”

Kinsella’s most recent book, What Does It Feel Like?, was published in October 2024.

Her other novels include Can You Keep A Secret? and The Undomestic Goddess.

The first two novels in her eight-book Shopaholic series were adapted for the 2009 film Confessions of a Shopaholic, starring Isla Fisher.

Her books have sold more than 45 million copies in more than 60 countries, and have been translated into more than 40 languages.