Downton Abbey star Dame Maggie Smith has died

Her career lasted over seven decades and she was one of Britain's most prolific actresses

Dame Maggie Smith died in hospital on Friday, her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens said in a statement. Known for her wit in comedic roles, she has had an extensive career on stage and screen over seven decades and was one of Britain's most recognisable and prolific actresses.

In a statement issued via their publicist, her sons said: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.

"She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.

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"An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. 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."

She gained international fame for her role as Violet Crawley in the British period drama Downton Abbey between 2010 and 2015, and also portrayed Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series.

Following the news, tributes have started to pour in, with This Morning's Gyles Brandreth leading them. He posted: "The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era & 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."