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Amy Huberman among those paying tribute to actress Nika McGuigan

Updated / Wednesday, 24 Jul 2019 21:45
Nika McGuigan has died aged 33 after a short illness
Nika McGuigan has died aged 33 after a short illness

Amy Huberman is along those paying tribute to the actress Danika McGuigan, who has died aged 33, saying she is "deeply shocked and saddened at the devastating news".

McGuigan, who was known as Nika to her friends and family, was the daughter of former boxing champion Barry McGuigan. She died "after a brief but brave battle against cancer", her family said in a statement.

The actress was well-known for starring as Danielle in the RTÉ TV series Can't Cope Won't Cope, as well as films such as The Secret Scripture and Philomena.

Hubmerman, who also starred in Can't Cope Won't Cope, wrote on Twitter: "Deeply shocked and saddened at the devastating news about the talented, fantastic, shining Nika McGuigan.

"Heartbroken for all her family and friends. Rest In Peace Nika xx"

Game of Thrones actor John Bradley, who played Samwell Tarly in the HBO fantasy TV series, said he was "lucky enough" to work with McGuigan a few years ago (in the 2015 film Traders), and said she was "one of the kindest, funniest and most talented people I've ever met."

He added: "It's a heartbreaking loss. Sending all my love to her family."

Nika's brother Shane McGuigan paid tribute to his "beautiful sister Danika" and said she had battled cancer as a child.

He wrote on Instagram: "She overcame it once with a two year fight when she was 11 to 13.

"Myself, my brothers and parents were privileged to have another 20 years since the first battle with our amazing Nika. Unfortunately Nika couldn't beat it again but she fought so bravely until the end.

"I have memories that I'll cherish for a lifetime and you will live on forever in spirit. I'm so so proud of you. Love you forever my older 'little' sister."

Love/Hate and Fair City star Johnny Ward said he was "in compete and utter shock" over the news.

"One of the most beautiful people I ever had the pleasure of working with", he wrote on Twitter. "Nika McGuigan I will miss you so much. Gone way too soon."

Derry Girls actress Nicola Coughlan tweeted: "So sad to hear about the passing of Nika McGuigan, such a lovely, sweet, talented girl with her whole future ahead of her. At a loss for words."

Irish Times journalist Roisin Ingle said McGuigan was a "sparkling talent".

"This is so sad for all her friends and family", she wrote on Twitter.

The writer of Can't Cope, Won't Cope, Stefanie Preissner, posted on Twitter: "Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Nika McGuigan - the brilliant, lovely, Danielle in Can't Cope Won't Cope wouldn't have been the same without her.

"Deepest condolences to her family and loved ones."

McGuigan's Can't Cope Won't Cope co-star Seán Óg Cairns said he was "terribly saddened" to hear of her passing.

"It was a pleasure and a privilege to have known her and to have performed alongside her", he tweeted. "My deepest condolences to her family and friends."

Read more tributes to the actress below.

McGuigan recently completed production on Cathy Brady's upcoming debut feature film Wildfire.

Wildfire also stars Nora-Jane Noone and follows two sisters who grew up on the Irish border.

The film saw McGuigan reunite with Brady, who she previously worked with on Can't Cope, Won't Cope.

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