Northern Ireland

Danika McGuigan has died from cancer at age 33

 Nika McGuigan with her dad, Barry McGuigan
 Nika McGuigan with her dad, Barry McGuigan  Nika McGuigan with her dad, Barry McGuigan

Danika McGuigan, the actor and daughter of boxing promoter Barry McGuigan, has died from cancer at age 33.

Danika died yesterday following a "brief but brave battle", her family has confirmed.

Danika had survived leukaemia as a child, having been diagnosed at 11.

In a statement issued through Dublin-based actors' agency The Agency her family said: "It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister, Danika 'Nika' McGuigan. 

"After a brief but brave battle against cancer, Nika passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday 23rd July, surrounded by her loving family. 

"As a family we are devastated and ask for complete privacy during this difficult period to allow us to grieve for our Nika." 

Most recently Danika had appeared on RTÉ and BBC as Danielle in the comedy Can't Cope, Won't Cope about two twentysomethings from Mallow in Co Cork trying to make their way in Dublin.

Speaking to The Times in 2005 about his daughter's childhood illness, Barry McGuigan said "it was like our roles were reversed: this time it was my little girl who was the fighter".

He said his daughter had a wonderful outlook on life.

"The word 'dynamo' doesn't do her justice. With Danika, the glass is never half-empty and never half-full. It's completely full. In fact, it's probably spilling over."