Peaky Blinders Pays Tributes To Helen McCrory After She Dies Aged 52

Lewis wrote: "I'm heartbroken to announce that after an heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family.

"She died as she lived. Fearlessly."

"God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives.

"She blazed so brightly.

"Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you."

The official Peaky Blinders Twitter account shared its own tribute after the news broke, posting a picture of McCrory as Polly Gray and writing: "All our love and thoughts are with Helen's family.

"Rest in peace."

McCrory, as well as starring in huge film franchises such as Harry Potter as Narcissa Malfoy, and the James Bond films, also appeared in Doctor Who.

The official website of the BBC show said: "We are sad to report the death of actress Helen McCrory, who starred in 'The Vampires of Venice'."

Reece Shearsmith, one of the stars of The League of Gentlemen, posted his own tribute to McCrory, who he worked with in theatre and on his show Inside No.9.

Shearsmith said: "Impossible to process the mighty Helen McCrory has passed.

"I worked with Helen on stage and of course we were lucky enough to get her in Inside No.9. She was always immaculate and brilliant. An unfathomable loss. RIP."

The BBC's Director of Drama Piers Wenger also posted an emotional tribute, saying: "Helen was one of the finest actresses this country will ever see.

"From Potter to Peaky, from Blair to Bond, Helen's fearlessness made every part she played unique and unmissable.

"Her body of work speaks of her extraordinary talent, what it doesn't speak of is her kindness, intelligence and sense of fun.

"This is too soon, too cruel. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this incredibly sad time."