Giovanna Fletcher reveals that her grandmother has passed away

Giovanna Fletcher has shared the news that her beloved grandmother has passed away.

The author, who is wife to McFly star Tom Fletcher, posted a picture of her Nonna to her Instagram account, confirming the sad loss to her 857,000 followers.

'Sad to say that our incredible Nonna passed away yesterday,' she wrote alongside the black and white image. 'I'm so glad we got to see her a couple of weeks ago and cover her in kisses.'

'Last night I had a blog post to write but there was only one thing on my mind, so I decided to write about the amazing woman she was,' she continued, explaining that she'd expanded on her grief in a piece for HELLO! magazine.

In the article, Giovanna explained that although her grandmother hadn't spoken English, and she couldn't speak Italian, their bond had meant that communication had still been easy.

'I could never have a proper one on one conversation with my Nonna, but I understood her in a very different way. She enthralled me,' she said.

'Nonna had a voice that could carry, a shout that told you when you were in serious trouble. Yet her laugh was infectious. It came from the belly and caused her shoulders to bounce. She had a kind heart.'

Giovanna added that saying goodbye on their most recent visit had been tough, as her Nonna was already in hospital, and they'd never see her waving them off again.

'My Nonna was a special woman and incredibly important to all of us. She was the one in charge, the one we all looked up to,' she concluded. 'I'm so deeply upset that she's gone, but she will forever be in our hearts.'

Fans rushed to console Giovanna over her loss, with one commenting: 'Gone but never forgotten for the impact they make on our lives', and another agreeing: 'I love her beautifully weathered hands and face - no doubt she left you with wonderful memories. My heart goes out to all of you.'

'Your Nonna is a part of the incredible woman you have become and one day she will live on in your grandchildren through their wonderful Nonna,' a third messaged. 'You and your family are in my prayers.'