HELEN Flanagan has paid tribute to 25-year-old journalist, TV presenter and model Peaches Geldof, who was found dead at her home on Monday.

Speaking on the social media site Twitter, the former East Lancashire schoolgirl, 23, said: “Completely and utterly heartbreaking to hear about Peaches Geldof. So sad and so shocking, my thoughts are with her family. So sad.

“Sad, sad day. I did not have the pleasure of meeting Peaches but I always really admired her.

“Respects to her family. Tragic. Beautiful lady and mother x.”

Helen, who left Coronation Street in 2012, also later posted a picture of Peaches, who was the daughter of Band Aid founder Bob Geldof, and Paula Yates, who died of an overdose in 2000.