Home and Away star dies of cancer

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Australian actress Belinda Emmett, who starred as Rebecca Fisher in Home and Away, has died after battling cancer.

The 32-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 and left the soap opera while undergoing treatment.

She died in a Sydney hospital on Saturday surrounded by her family, including talk show host Rove McManus, whom she married last year.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard led tributes to the actress, saying: "She fought a very courageous battle".

Emmett's diagnosis came at the height of her fame in Australia.

She went into remission following surgery to remove a malignant tumour and a course of radiotherapy in 1998.

She returned to television, playing nurse Jodi Horner in the Australian TV drama All Saints, but was diagnosed with secondary bone cancer in 2001.

Distraught

Emmett's last television appearance was with husband McManus on an ABC television Christmas Special, in December 2005.

McManus posted a message on his website telling fans he was too distraught to return to his celebrity chat show for the time being.

"This is a very difficult period for all of us and some time away is the best thing for me right now," he wrote.

"In the meantime I want to extend my sincerest thanks for all of your heartfelt messages and condolences.

"That Belinda meant so much to so many people, genuinely means a lot to me."

"It is with great sadness we advise that Belinda Emmett's battle with cancer has ended," her family said in a statement.

"Those close to her have requested respect for their privacy at this time."