Confusion over #nowthatchersdead Twitter hashtag

The Twitter hashtag which spread the news of Baroness Thatcher's death also inadvertently killed off a very different high profile woman - Cher.

The hashtag #nowthatchersdead caused confusion among the social network users who began paying tribute to the 66-year-old singer, who is still alive.

Comedian Ricky Gervais was one of a number of prolific tweeters who attempted to quell the hoax twitter storm.

He tweeted: “Some people are in a frenzy over the hashtag #nowthatchersdead. It’s “Now Thatcher’s dead”. Not, “Now that Cher’s dead”. JustSayin’”

His clarification was retweeted nearly 6,000 times.

Yesterday mistaken tweeters spread the news of Cher’s death.

Nicholas Mulligan tweeted: “I can’t believe that Cher is dead. Do you believe in life after love?”

Eamon McArdle tweeted: “#nowthatchersdead rip Cher you were loved for your titanic song”

Other confused tweeters, believed it was Cher Lloyd who died.

David Stringer tweeted: “As it seems to be pretty controversial on twitter, this will be my only tweet on Cher Lloyd’s death. RIP you pink haired princess.”