'BROKEN-HEARTED'
SHOCKED stars have been paying tribute to actress Helen McCrory following her tragic death.
The Peaky Blinders star, 52, died following a "heroic" battle with cancer.
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After her husband Damian Lewis made the heartbreaking announcement, the Peaky Blinders bosses paid tribute, writing: "Helen McCrory as Polly Gray.
"All our love and thoughts are with Helen’s family. Rest in peace."
Helen took on the gritty role of Polly Gray in the hit show as the domineering matriarch of the family in 2015.
Her character is the aunt of the Shelby brothers and the unofficial head of the family.
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Just three weeks ago, the actress was confirmed to be returning to the show for its sixth and final season alongside Paul Anderson and Cillian Murphy.
The season started filming at the beginning of the year but it is not clear when it is due to return to our screens.
Cillian paid emotional tribute this evening, penning in a moving statement: "I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend. Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being.
"She was also a gifted actor — fearless and magnificent. She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played.
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"It was a privilege to have worked with this brilliant woman, to have shared so many laughs over the years. I will dearly miss my pal. My love and thoughts are with Damian and her family."
Sophie Rundle, who plays Polly's niece Ada in the BBC hit, wrote: "God she was so f**ng cool though. It is entirely senseless and brutal to lose Helen, she was an extraordinary and remarkable person.
"Quite shockingly talented. What a privilege to have worked with her these past years, I can’t overstate how much I admired her.
"My thoughts are with her family and loved ones. Our Pol. What a heavy loss. We will miss her so dearly."
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And Oswald Mosely actor Sam Claflin penned: "Thank you for all you have done. For all that you brought. And all you have left. You have been a teacher. A guide. A leader. An inspiration. And a friend, to so many.
"Any time I was ever fortunate enough to see your face across a crowded room, I felt ok. You were such a strong presence.
"Such a gifted and versatile actor. Such a kind and generous person. And you will be missed. Love and strength to you and yours x"
Helen was also known for her generous charity work, and was ambassador for The Prince's Trust who shared a photo of her alongside Prince Charles tonight.
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They wrote: "We are so sad to hear of the passing of our treasured celebrity ambassador Helen McCrory, who gave so much energy and passion to help us continue changing young lives.
"Our thoughts are with Damian Lewis and their family at this time."
Helen played Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series, and author J.K. Rowling wrote: "I am devastated to learn of the death of Helen McCrory, an extraordinary actress and a wonderful woman who's left us far too soon.
"My deepest condolences to her family, especially her husband and children. Simply heartbreaking news."
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Other stars also paid tribute, with Piers Morgan writing: "What shocking and incredibly sad news. RIP Helen."
David Beckham shared his sadness, writing over a picture of him with Helen: "I'm sending thoughts and love to all her family and friends x."
Line of Duty star Vicky McClure added: "Oh Damian, I’m so sorry. Sending you & your family much love xxx."
Good Morning Britain's Ben Shephard said: I’m so, so sorry, Sending love and hugs to you all Damian", with Ben and Kate Garraway interviewing Helen on the breakfast show for what was her final TV appearance.
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EastEnders actor Jake Wood said: "I am devastated to hear of the passing of Helen McCrory at the age of 52 from cancer.
"I was lucky to have worked with Helen twice in my career, once in Lynda La Plantes ‘Trial & Retribution’ and then again in the film ‘Dad Savage’.
"She was a powerhouse of an actor, so dedicated and committed and such a lovely person to be around with a wonderful and cheeky sense of humour.
"My thoughts go out to her husband Damian and family at this time.
Such a sad loss at too young an age."
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Hollywood actress Helen, who has also starred in Skyfall and Harry Potter, passed away peacefully at home following a battle with cancer.
Her devastated husband Damian today said in a statement: "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 loved 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."
She was married to actor Damian for 14 years after they met in 2003 while starring in a London play together.
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The couple share two children - 14-year-old daughter Manon, and 13-year-old son Gulliver.
Last month, the couple appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss their latest charity project with the Prince's Trust.
When asked if she had a sore throat by host Kate Garraway, Helen joked: "I've got children".
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Caring Helen and Damian, who live in Suffolk, also helped feed frontline healthcare workers during the Covid pandemic.
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