The Kent author behind Olivia Newton-John's biography has shared fond memories of the singer after her death.

Tim Ewbank described the British-born Australian actress as the "sweet girl next door" who wasn't "spoiled by showbiz".

Ms Newton-John, famous for her role as Sandy in hit musical Grease, died yesterday from cancer at the age of 73.

She died peacefully surrounded by her friends and family in California, a statement said.

Mr Ewbank, from Deal, said Ms Newton-John was a huge advocate for early detection of breast cancer.

"She had a very, very brave fight with breast cancer," he said.

"She was a wonderfully outspoken advocate for early detection."

The writer paid tribute to the star, saying that he wanted to thank her for raising awareness of the disease.

"I've got two or three friends with breast cancer, so I want to thank her for fighting.

"She fought it not just with orthodox medicine, but with spiritual healing too.

"I think she did an enormous amount for people to realise that breast cancer might not necessarily be the end.

"Although it caught up with her in the end, she had 29 years of living with it, and reached a pretty good age considering.

"She had a remarkable life.

"She produced self-examination kits for women and did an awful lot, and raised a lot of money for a hospital which opened in Melbourne in 2013.

"I think all sorts of people will thank her for that."

He went on to share special memories of the star, saying that she was "honest and committed to her career".

Mr Ewbank recalled the time Ms Newton-John fell down the stairs at the royal bathroom at Buckingham Palace when collecting her OBE.

The 74-year-old added: "Just before the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974, she didn't have terribly high hopes, but she came fourth.

"The winners were ABBA that year and she was very gracious saying that they were by far the best act.

"She was humble and never played the big star which is very refreshing. She was very devoted to her causes and raising money for the cancer hospital she opened in Australia.

"She was also an animal activist.

"She sung for four billion viewers at the Sydney Olympics, the Pope, US presidents, she's had quite a career and showbiz hasn't spoiled her."

He said Ms Newton-John was nervous to star in Grease as she was playing a character more than 10 years younger than her real age.
He said: "She said she was very worried before the film came out because she was a 29-year-old and playing a 16-year-old.

"She was terrified whether the general public would take to the fact that she was so old for the role but by golly, she pulled it off.

"She was very proud that 30 years later she could still fit into those tight pants which she was sewed into for filming.

"You'd have to look very very hard to find a person with a bad word to say about her. She will be sorely missed, she really will."

Aldington celebrity Paul O'Grady has also paid tribute to Olivia Newton-John and shared a snap of them together.

He wrote: "I've just heard about the passing of Olivia Newton John.

"What lousy news. She was such a lovely lady and I know she was loved by so many as Sandy in Grease but for me she'll always be Betsy Mae in 'Sordid Lives'

"R.I.P Olivia."

Mr Ewbank is currently in negotiations to update the biography.