Novelist Jackie Collins dies aged 77

Actress Joan Collins has shared a picture of herself and sister Jackie Collins as children on social media, as she paid tribute to the novellist who has died aged 77.

The best-selling author, had been battling breast cancer,her family said in a statement.

Jackie Collins appeared on ITV's Loose Women shortly before her death to speak about her latest book "The Santangelos".

During the light-hearted interview on September 10, she spoke about plans for the future and gave no indication that she was dying from breast cancer.

She also spoke about the typically British things she missed when she is at home in Los Angeles, including a "proper English cup of tea" and cheese toasties.

Collins also told the Loose Women ladies "she would love" Angelina Jolie to play the role of Lucky Santangelo in a movie adaptation of her best-known series.

Joan Collins has paid tribute a "brave and beautiful sister" following the death of her younger sibling, Jackie.

Joan, who only learned of Jackie's illness within the last two weeks, has said she is "completely devastated"

The 82-year-old told People magazine: "She was my best friend.

"I admire how she handled this. She was a wonderful, brave and a beautiful person and I love her."

Before her death Jackie told the publication she had not wanted to tell her sister because she did not want to burden her.

The best-selling novelist Jackie Collins has passed away aged 77.

In a statement, her family said: "It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the death of our beautiful, dynamic and one of a kind mother, Jackie Collins, who died of breast cancer today.

“She was a true inspiration, a trailblazer for women in fiction and a creative force. She will live on through her characters but we already miss her beyond words.”

In a career spanning four decades, Ms Collins sold more than 500 million novels in over 40 countries. She was made an OBE two years ago. She had three daughters and six grandchildren.

• Read: 'I did it my way': Jackie Collins on her cancer battle
• Read: Joan Collins leads tributes to 'brave and beautiful sister'
• Watch: Jackie Collins on ITV's Loose Women in one of last interviews