Helen McCrory dies aged 52 following cancer battle

Helen McCrory has passed away at the age of 52.

The actress was known for her extensive career, with roles such as Aunt Polly in Peaky Blinders, Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter films and Cherie Blair in The Queen.

The devastating news was announced by her husband Damian Lewis on social media.

“I’m heartbroken to announce that after a 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 family and friends.

“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 couple have been married since 2007 and had two teenage children together, daughter Manon, 14, and 13-year-old son Gulliver.

They appeared on Good Morning Britain last month to discuss their latest charity project as ambassadors of The Prince’s Trust.

Helen started her career in theatre being nominated for numerous Laurence Olivier Awards.

She was cast in the Harry Potter franchise as Bellatrix Lestrange, but had to pull out of the role due to her pregnancy and was replaced by Helena Bonham Carter. She later joined the movies as Narcissa Malfoy, the sister of Bellatrix and mother of Draco Malfoy.

She also had roles in the James Bond movie Skyfall, as well as TV shows Quiz and His Dark Materials.