Mark and Jess Wright have paid tribute to their Nanny Pat following her death on Wednesday (16.12.18).

Nanny Pat

Nanny Pat

The 80-year-old reality TV star - whose real name is Pat Brooker - passed away following a short illness and her devastated grandchildren, along with her 'The Only Way Is Essex' co-stars, past and present, have taken to Twitter to remember "good ole Nanny".

Mark tweeted: "My heart is broken but so overwhelmed by your support. To know good ole Nanny was loved by so many is the best feeling in the world Thankyou (sic)."

Jess added: "Heart broken does not even come close to how my family & I are feeling. Thank you so much for your support my Nan was so loved an angel (sic)."

Former 'TOWIE' star Maria Fowler wrote: "So so sad to hear that Nanny Pat has passed away, such a wonderful sweet, fun and kind lady,it was a pleasure working with and knowing you.x (sic)."

Current star Lewis Bloor wrote: "My thoughts are with the Wright family today sorry to hear this terrible news," while Harry Derbridge added: "I can't believe it, RIP nanny Pat. You was the biggest legend ever and you will continue to be, my thoughts go to the all the Wrights (sic)."

Ricky Rayment, who previously dated Pat's granddaughter Jess Wright, tweeted: My heart goes out to all the Wrights. Having to say goodbye to a truly incredible lady."

Dan Osborne said: "RIP nanny Pat. Such a lovely lady, always had a smile on your face! Thinking about all of the Wright family," and former 'TOWIE' star Charlie King wrote on Twitter: "Gutted to hear about the passing of Nanny Pat. My thoughts with all the Wright family, Nanny Pat was one of the sweetest ladies ever."

A statement released on behalf of her family - which includes grandchildren Mark and Jess Wright - confirmed the sad news of her death, saying: "Sadly our amazing, courageous and beautiful Nanny Pat passed away this morning after a short illness.

"We are overwhelmed by sadness, and the whole family ask for privacy at this horrible time."

Pat had five children, including daughter Carol Wright and 14 grandchildren and celebrated her 80th birthday on the show last month.