English author Sophie Kinsella (real name: Madeleine Sophie Wickham), whose books inspired the 2009 film Confessions of a Shopaholic starring Isla Fisher, died on December 10, 2025. She was 55. Her death was announced in an Instagram post shared to her account that day.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing this morning of our beloved Sophie (aka Maddy, aka Mummy),” the caption read. “She died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy.”
The post continued, ‘We can’t imagine what life will be like without her radiance and love of life. Despite her illness, which she bore with unimaginable courage, Sophie counted herself truly blessed – to have such wonderful family and friends, and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career. She took nothing for granted and was forever grateful for the love she received.”
Learn more about Kinsella, her published works and her death below.
Kinsella was the brains behind the Shopaholic book series, which was adapted into the hit film known as Confessions of a Shopaholic. She published the following works:
Kinsella died following a battle with glioblastoma. She revealed her diagnosis with grade 4 glioblastoma in 2024.
