The cast of McLeod’s Daughters have shared emotional tributes ahead of the funeral for their beloved co-star Rachael Carpani.

Carpani — best known for her role as Jodi Fountain on the iconic Australian drama — died on December 7, aged 45.

Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Monday, revealing she had passed away peacefully after a long battle with chronic illness.

“It is with great sadness that Tony and Gael Carpani announce that their beautiful daughter, beloved Australian actress Rachael Carpani, unexpectedly but peacefully passed away in the early hours of Sunday 7th December,” the statement read.

Carpani’s funeral was held privately on Friday, with close family and friends in attendance.

In the wake of the announcement, Carpani’s former castmates took to social media to express their shock and heartbreak, paying tribute to their “beautiful, smart and funny” friend.

Bridie Carter

Bridie Carter, best known for her role as Tess Silverman McLeod, shared a heartfelt tribute remembering Carpani as the “baby” of the McLeod’s Daughters family.

Revealing how much she “missed” her “beautiful” friend, Carter shared her grief in a post on Instagram.

“This is the most difficult post,” Carter started.

“In love and respect, for our beautiful Rach, in prayer and with the deepest sorrow and profound sympathy for the Carpani family.

“Rest In Peace our beautiful girl … the ‘baby’ of our MD family.

“We love you, we cherish you. This is the wrong order of things.

“We are better people for having the privilege of sharing time with you.”

Carter added her beloved co-star would be deeply missed not only by her family and friends, but by fans around the world.

Jessica Napier

New Zealand-born actress Jessica Napier, who played Becky Howard on the series, wrote an emotional letter to her friend, sharing “how shattered I am at your passing”.

Napier reflected on cherished memories together, including trips to Adelaide, endless nights watching Kath & Kim and drinking homemade daiquiris.

“I’m heartbroken that we didn’t get to have that last drink we’d been texting about for weeks,” Napier added.

“That will stay with me.

“I’m devastated for your beautiful family, who meant the absolute world to you, and who should have had so many more years with you.

“It feels unbearable that they, and all of us, have lost you so soon.”

Napier said the world was now “dimmer” without her “beautiful, smart and funny” friend.

“I feel incredibly grateful that our lives overlapped at all, that we got to share a moment in time together,” Napier wrote.

“And what a moment it was.”

Matt Passmore

Matt Passmore, who played Marcus Turner on McLeod’s Daughters, farewelled his friend in a brief but touching Instagram post.

“All the love I have to the Carpanis, friends and family,” Passmore wrote.

“The greatest gift you gave was knowing you.”

Carpani and Passmore dated for five years during their time on the show.

Jonny Pasvolsky

Jonny Pasvolsky also paid tribute to Carpani on social media.

Pasvolsky, whose character Matt Bosnich — also known as Rob Shelton — was married to Carpani’s character on the show, shared his heartbreak at the loss.

The actor acknowledged after the grief he experienced following the attack on his hometown of Bondi, it was devastating to share news of Carpani’s passing.

“My beautiful, funny friend and screen partner from Mcleod’s Daughters, Rachael Carpani has passed away,” Pasvolsky wrote.

“Way. Too. Soon.

“My heart is with her family in a time of unimaginable pain.

“Rest in peace Rach. You made me laugh (and you made me cry once).”