Devastating news has emerged from the publishing world. Sophie Kinsella, the author of the bestselling “Shopaholic” series, has passed away. She breathed her last on 10th December 2025 (Wednesday) at age 55.
Her family conveyed the news through social media, writing, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing this morning of our beloved Sophie (aka Maddy, aka Mummy). She died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy. We can’t imagine what life will be like without her.” According to reports, Sophie passed away from glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
The English author, whose real name is Madeleine Wickham, revealed in 2024 that she was diagnosed with the disease in 2022. She underwent neurosurgery and shared her experience with cancer in her book, “What Does It Feel Like?”. Despite her illness, her family said she remained positive, adding, “Sophie counted herself truly blessed – to have such wonderful family and friends, and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career”.
Sophie’s best known for her work in the young adult and chick lit genres. Her “Shopaholic” series, which spans 10 novels, is considered one of the bestselling book series with millions of copies sold. The first two books, “The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic” (also published as “Confessions of a Shopaholic”) and “Shopaholic Abroad” (also published as “Shopaholic Takes Manhattan”), would later be adapted into the film “Confessions of a Shopaholic”.
Australian actress Isla Fisher, who played the lead role of Rebecca Bloomwood in the 2009 film, paid tribute to Sophie on social media. The star wrote on an Instagram Stories post, “You are still my hero, and I’m grateful for you. And though we won’t meet again, your light and magic lives on in your incredible characters.” In a separate post, she added, “I’m so heartbroken that you are gone.”
Fans have also taken to social media to mourn the late author and pay tribute to her and her many popular works. We’d also like to extend our condolences to Sophie’s family and loved ones. May they find strength during these trying times, and may she rest in peace.
Sources: Twitter, BBC, Instagram
