Maddy Anholt dead at 35: Radio 4 comedian, actress and author passes away following

Radio 4 comedian Maddy Anholt passed away aged 35 on Wednesday. 

The TV and radio star, author and charity campaigner died after a battle with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer – following the birth of her daughter Opal last year.

Maddy had her own Radio 4 comedy show, starred in BBC, ITV and Channel 4 sitcoms opposite stars including Katherine Ryan and Tim Renkow and appeared on This Morning to discuss a controversial crowdfund she launched in 2015. 

Her family announced the news of her death just hours after she passed away and revealed she spent her final weeks at her parents’ home, Sunflower House under the care of Seaton Hospice at Home.

The star, who is survived by husband Ben, one-year-old daughter Opal, her twin brother and her mum and dad, underwent a number of surgeries and treatments during her battle before her tragic death on Wednesday.

In the GoFundMe post her 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…

‘In her short life, Maddy accomplished so much. She was a marathon-runner, author, speaker, actor and Ambassador for Women’s Aid…

‘Her debut book was published in 2022 and her first fiction will be published soon. As an actor, she appeared in sitcoms for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, while as a speaker she led numerous masterclasses, including for the Guardian…

‘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…

‘We ask you not to send flowers but if you feel moved to make a small donation, this fundraiser has been set up to provide for Maddy’s one-year-old daughter, Opal…

‘Alternatively, you might consider a contribution to Maddy’s favourite charity, Women’s Aid…

‘Maddy was a powerful advocate for women’s rights and on publication of her debut book, she was invited to become an Ambassador for Women’s Aid, which she carried out with characteristic energy and humour: www.womensaid.org.uk/give

‘Wherever you are, please join us at 6pm BST on Saturday 16th September, to light a candle. Pray, meditate and hold our precious Maddy in your hearts as she returns to the stars. With love, Cathy, Laurence, Claire, Tom and Ben’. 

Tributes flooded in, with Twitter users writing: ‘So sad and so young. God bless you. he has a place for you in his garden. And my condolences to your family and friends. How awful. 35! That`s no age – and cancer, what a bastard of a disease that is!…

‘Absolutely dreadful news. Heartbreaking… Can’t quite believe this. @maddy_anholt was an incredibly kind and talented human. Genuinely one of the best ones…

‘Sending love to her family. People say our loss is heavens gain and it couldn’t be more true for Maddy…. Such terrible news. Sending love and condolences to Maddy Anholt’s family and friends during this difficult time.’

The official Twitter account for Women’s Aid shared a message in support of the ambassador, writing: ‘We are devastated at the news of the death of our Ambassador Maddy Anholt, who passed away yesterday aged 35….

‘Maddy was a creative, caring and determined woman, who gave her time freely to support us at Women’s Aid.’

Maddy’s final Instagram posts gave a tragic glimpse into her plans for the future, with her last image – shared in June – revealing she had been working on her first fiction book, which was due for release next year.

The last image she shared of herself, showed the star posing with her book in October and revealing she was looking forward to book tours. 

Maddy appeared on The Emily Atack Show in 2020, the BBC Three sitcom Jerk with Tim Renkow in 2019 and TV show Sunny D opposite Katherine Ryan in 2016. 

Maddy had four sell-out solo comedies at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Latitude Festival and the Soho Theatre and released a book last year called How to Leave Your Psychopath: The Essential Handbook for Escaping Toxic Relationships. 

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.’

She wrote on the crowdfunding campaign: ‘I’m appealing to the wider community to help fund my fledgling love life as I take my hunt for Mr Right international with my new one woman comedy show.’

‘Those wanting to donate money, can opt for £10, £25, £50, £100 or £150. In return, supporters will be given rewards from 50 per cent off a ticket to her show, a romantic three-course dinner (not with her), or a DIY dating kit.

Maddy, who had been single for five years at the time, said: ‘Five years in a long time to be alone. I’ve done everything I can. I’ve been on every dating site there is.’

Following the news of the crowdfunding – of which she raised £2,121 of the £3,500 goal – she appeared on a This Morning debate under the title: ‘Is crowdfunding modern day begging?’