THE HAT SQUAD: BELINDA EMMETT

Australian actress Belinda Emmett, who starred as Rebecca Fisher in 'Home and Away', has died after battling cancer.

The 32-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 and left the soap opera while undergoing treatment. She died in a Sydney hospital on Saturday surrounded by her family, including talk show host Rove McManus, whom she married last year.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard led tributes to the actress, saying: "She fought a very courageous battle".

Emmett's diagnosis came at the height of her fame in Australia. She went into remission following surgery to remove a malignant tumour and a course of radiotherapy in 1998. She returned to television, playing nurse Jodi Horner in the Australian TV drama 'All Saints', but was diagnosed with secondary bone cancer in 2001.

Emmett's last television appearance was with husband McManus on an ABC television 'Christmas Special', in December 2005. McManus posted a message on his website telling fans he was too distraught to return to his celebrity chat show for the time being.

TV SERIES
"Home and Away" (1988) TV Series .... Nash (#3) (1996-1999, 2005) / Rebecca Fisher

RECURRING ROLES
"All Saints" .... Jodi Horner (2000-2001)
"Hey Dad..!" .... Tracy (1994)

THE LEAGUE OF THEMSELVES
"Spicks and Specks" .... Herself (1 episode, 2005)
- A Very Specky Christmas
"All Time Greatest Bloopers" (1998) TV Series .... Herself - Host

BCnU.....
Tele-Toby