Niamh O'Brien, dancer and wife of Michael Flatley, dies

Niamh O'Brien, who performed as lead dancer in 'Lord of the Dance' and was the wife of Riverdance star Michael Flatley, has died.

Flatley announced her death in a social media post this evening, saying his heart was "broken".

The pair had been married since 2006, when they got married in Co Cork.

Ms O'Brien was a renowned Irish dancer who performed the lead role of 'Saoirse' in the 'Lord of the Dance' shows.

She took up dancing from a very young age and had placed highly in World Championships.

"My heart is broken. I have lost my beautiful wife, Niamh, and my best friend," he said.

"My gorgeous bride of 20 years has gone to the Lord in Heaven.

"She was the most loving mother, wife and person, and our lives will never be the same without her," he added.

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