Former Casualty and Holby City star Rebekah Gibbs has died after a six-year battle with cancer.

Tributes have poured in on social media to the 41-year-old mother, who was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer in 2008 just 10 weeks after giving birth to her daughter, Gigi.

The actress, best known for her role as parademic Nina Farr in the BBC medical dramas, underwent a double mastectomy and was given the all-clear after five years in 2013.

Sadly, a few months later she suffered a seizure and was subsequently diagnosed with two brain tumours, and legions in the lung. After undergoing more agressive treatment, it was sadly declared incurable.

Ms Gibbs grew up in Devon but moved to Tunbridge Wells 15 years ago, where she lived with her husband Ashley Pitman, 47. They married in 2009.

Talent agency, Belfield and Ward confirmed the news yesterday, tweeting: "Darling Rebekah Gibbs, a true inspiration and dazzling light, never to be forgotten."

Mr Pitman has now paid tribute to his late wife. In a statement released by the agency, he wrote: "In the early hours of November, 11 our beloved Rebekah Gibbs, aged 41, passed away peacefully at The Hospice in the Weald in Pembury with her mother, myself and a close family friend by her side.

"My daughter and I take a great deal of comfort from this as we come to terms with life without our Rebekah" - Ashley Pitman

"Rebekah had wonderful care and felt loved and safe right up until the end, especially with the outstanding nursing staff at the Hospice in the Weald, who were exceptional.

"I'd like to thank them and her dear, loving friends, from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support we received over the last year. Without which Rebekah and I would not have been able to cope.

"I'd also like to thank everyone for their kind wishes and messages at this difficult time. My daughter and I take a great deal of comfort from this as we come to terms with life without our Rebekah."

In a column Ms Gibbs had been writing for the Daily Mirror, she said the exact moment she first found a lump in her breast "is one that will be etched on my memory forever" and said the "crushing" fear stayed with her every day.

TV stars and theatre names paid tribute to the "fabulous, funny" lady who made appearances in Grease, Starlight Express and The Bill.

British west end actress, Louise Dearman tweeted: "Very sad to hear Rebekah Gibbs has passed away. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. R.I.P Rebekah."

Actor Matthew Daines added: "Sleep well you fabulous funny talented lady Rebekah Gibbs. Bless your beautiful bonkers heart Gibbsy. Gone too soon."

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