The Irish actress Nika McGuigan has died aged 33.

In a statement quoted by RTÉ, her family said she'd died after a "brief but brave battle against cancer".

Nika was the daughter of former boxer Barry McGuigan.

The actress - whose full name was Danika - was best known for her lead role in RTÉ comedy-drama Can't Cope, Won't Cope, where she starred alongside Seána Kerslake.

Can't Cope, Won't Cope's Nika McGuigan (Danielle) and Seána Kerslake (Aisling). Pic: Karl Hussey

She also featured in films such as Mammal and The Secret Scripture.

She had recently played a major role in Cathy Brady's upcoming film Wildfire.

Posting on Istagram, Nika's brother Shane said his sister had passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning after losing her battle with cancer.

He said: "She overcame it once with a 2 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."

 

View this post on Instagram

 

It breaks my heart to write this. My beautiful sister Danika lost her battle with cancer in the early hours of Tuesday morning, at the young age of 33. She overcame it once with a 2 year fight when she was 11 to 13. Myself, my brothers & 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 & you will live on forever in spirit. I’m so so proud of you! Love you forever my older ‘little’ sister. RIP ❤️🙏🏼

A post shared by Shane McGuigan (@shanemcguigan) on Jul 24, 2019 at 3:53am PDT

In a statement, actors' agency The Agency said: "Nika was an incredible and versatile talent who lit up our screens with her undeniable presence, sensitivity and superb comic timing.

"We will miss her so very much and our thoughts are with her friends and family at this difficult time."

Can't Cope, Won't Cope writer Stefanie Preissner said she was "shocked and deeply saddened" to hear the news.

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. Xxx pic.twitter.com/cDo5fXClzV

— Stefanie Preissner (@StefPreissner) July 24, 2019

Acting school Bow Street described her as "unique talent".

We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Nika McGuigan’s untimely passing. She was one of our 1st students at The Factory & her unique talent, energy and smile was a constant inspiration. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to her family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/VfQ7OPXv9J

— Bow Street Academy (@12bowstreet) July 24, 2019

Main image: Nika McGuigan. Photo:Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie