Kara Tointon confirms her mum has passed away with heartbreaking Instagram post

Kara Tointon has taken to social media to post a moving tribute to her mum.

The usually private actress confirmed her mum's death in an emotional Instagram post, which has moved her friends and fans to tears.

Kara gave birth to her first child with fiancé Marius Jensen in November, but had been reluctant to set a date for their wedding because of her mother’s illness. Last year she told Hello! that they were hoping to marry this year, in Norway or London.

‘My mum hasn’t been too well over the last year or so and I want her to be able to enjoy it,’ she explained, adding that seeing her ‘dealing with everything she has to’ was ‘overwhelming’.

Kara’s friends were quick to offer their support, including Giovanna Fletcher, Izzy Judd and EastEnders actress Louisa Lytton, who simply wrote, ‘Love you’.

And there was an outpouring of support from the rest of her followers, too.

‘What a beautiful tribute to your mummy. Brought me to tears,’ said one.

‘Oh gosh, so sorry to hear this. Am sure she was very proud of the woman/family you have become. Heartfelt condolences,’ another commented.

Fans who had lost a parent themselves were especially keen to offer condolences. ‘A piece of you goes with them but they leave with you amazing memories. A beautiful post. Stay strong,’ one follower urged.

‘Truly sorry for your loss,’ said another. ‘It’s so hard losing a parent, feels like the world is falling apart, in time it comes back together, Sending lots of love.’

Others were inspired by the joy and love captured in Kara’s heartfelt tribute. ‘What precious footage and memories. Makes me want to be a better mum and grab life with two hands,’ one woman commented.

Kara's tribute, simply captioned, ‘My mum,’ features a compilation of video clips showing Kara’s mother Carol through the years. In the video, Carol is seen with Kara as well as Kara’s sister Hannah Tointon and their dad Ken.

Earlier this year, Kara posted a picture of her parents taken in 1980, which prompted fans to comment on the resemblance between her and her mum.

‘Wow you’re like your mum,’ said one. ‘You have inherited their genes for sure. Lovely photo,’ another added.