Riverdance star Michael Flatley has said his "heart is broken" following the death of his wife, Niamh O'Brien, at the age of 52. 

Announcing her death in a social media post on Monday, Flatley paid tribute to his "beautiful wife" and "best friend".

"My gorgeous bride of twenty years has gone to the Lord in Heaven," the 68-year-old wrote.

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

Flatley, best known for creating the Riverdance Irish dancing troupe, and Mrs O'Brien, who was also a dancer, were married for 20 years.

The couple performed together in Lord Of The Dance, the Irish dance show set up by Flatley in 1996.

Alongside the tribute shared on social media, Flatley posted several photographs including one of his wife dancing, a wedding photo and a photo with their son, Michael St James, who was born in 2007.

Flatley thanked fans for "all the love and kindness you have shown us", adding: "Please keep Niamh, Michael St James, and our family in your thoughts and prayers."

Born in the US to Irish parents, Flatley rose to fame when Riverdance performed during a seven-minute interval at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994.

A year later, he had a full-length show in Dublin and followed this up with Lord Of The Dance.

Flatley has also created, produced and directed other productions including Feet Of Flames and Celtic Tiger before expanding into film, directing and starring in the 2018 spy thriller Blackbird.

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Last year, Flatley said he planned to run for the Irish presidency, but later dropped out of the race, saying "I must put my family and my health first".

He added: "I feel I can better serve the Irish people by continuing my work promoting Ireland and Irish culture globally."