Iconic stage and screen actress Maggie Smith has "passed away peacefully in hospital", a statement from her family confirmed this afternoon. She was 89.

“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end," the statement continues. "She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.

“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”

Renowned for her roles in Harry Potter, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Downton Abbey, Gosford Park, A Room With A View and much more, Smith is one of a select few stars to have earned the Triple Crown of Acting – having scored an Academy Award (twice), an Emmy Award (four times), and a Tony Award. She also scored five BAFTA Awards and three Golden Globe Awards across a remarkable career.

One of her final film roles was in 2023's The Miracle Club, based around a group of Dublin women who travel to Lourdes.

Panti Bliss is is among those who have paid tribute to Smith online this afternoon – stating: "I'm not joking when I tell you that I have three different versions of the poster for The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie in my living room... Including the Japanese version. It's my all time favourite movie and performance."

Broadcaster, author and former politician Gyles Brandreth, meanwhile, stated that Smith's death "marks the end of a golden era" as well as "a quite extraordinary life."

"She was a truly great actress, 'one of the greats' & simply the best company: wise, witty, waspish, wonderful. One of a kind in every way & consequently irreplaceable," he adds.

Rest In Peace Maggie Smith ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1YHp9K3dG7

— Light House Cinema (@LightHouseD7) September 27, 2024