Dame Diana Rigg has died at the age of 82

Dame Diana Rigg has died at age of 82 following a cancer diagnosis in March.

Dame Diana was best known for her roles as Emma Peel in the TV series The Avengers, and more recently for playing Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones.

She also played Countess Teresa di Vicenzo, James Bond's wife, in On Her Majesty's Secret Service and was a highly acclaimed theatre actor.

She was created a dame in 1994 for services to drama.

A statement from Simon Beresford said: "It is with tremendous sadness that we announce that Dame Diana Rigg died peacefully early this morning.

"She was at home with her family who have asked for privacy at this difficult time. Dame Diana was an icon of theatre, film, and television.

"She was the recipient of Bafta, Emmy, Tony and Evening Standard Awards for her work on stage and screen.

"Dame Diana was a much loved and admired member of her profession, a force of nature who loved her work and her fellow actors. She will be greatly missed."

Dame Diana's daughter, actor Rachael Stirling, said: "My Beloved Ma died peacefully in her sleep early this morning, at home, surrounded by family.

"She died of cancer diagnosed in March, and spent her last months joyfully reflecting on her extraordinary life, full of love, laughter and a deep pride in her profession. I will miss her beyond words".

Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli remembered Dame Diana for playing the only woman to have married 007.

They said: "We are very sad to hear of the passing of Dame Diana Rigg, the legendary stage and screen actress who was much beloved by Bond fans for her memorable performance as Tracy di Vicenzo in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, the only woman to have married James Bond.

"Our love and thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time."

Sir David Hare and Sir Tom Stoppard paid tribute to Dame Diana.

Sir David said: "Diana Rigg had a dazzling change of direction in middle age as a great classical actor. When Emma Peel played Euripides' Medea, Albee's Martha and Brecht's Mother Courage she swept all before her".

Sir Tom said: "For half her life Diana was the most beautiful woman in the room, but she was what used to be called a trooper. She went to work with her sleeves rolled up and a smile for everyone. Her talent was luminous".

Bafta also paid tribute to Diana Rigg.

The British charity said on Twitter: "We're sad to hear of the passing of Dame Diana Rigg, Bafta-winner for her performance in Mother Love in 1990 and joint recipient of the Bafta Television Special Award in 2000 for The Avengers."

John Bradley, who starred in Game of Thrones alongside Diana Rigg, said the actress was "just wonderful".

Posting a tribute to the actress on Twitter, he said: "Diana Rigg was just wonderful. But you all knew that already. Everybody did. Very sad news."