Cillian Murphy is ‘heartbroken’ to lose Peaky Blinders co-star Helen McCrory, after the actress died, aged 52.

Helen’s husband, Damian Lewis, confirmed her death in a heartfelt statement shared on Twitter, explaining that she died at home, following a ‘heroic battle’ with cancer.

Tributes pouring in for the star across social media as the news broke, with Cillian the latest to offer his condolences

In a statement, the Tommy Shelby star said: ’I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend. Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being,’ it read.

‘She was also a gifted actor – fearless and magnificent.

‘She elevated and made humanity every scene, every character she played. 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.’

Helen was a central role in the gangster drama, with her no-nonsense attitude to life being the only thing that kept the Shelby boys in check.

Show bosses also offered a tribute to Helen on the official Peaky Blinders, telling fans: ‘Helen’s performance as Polly Gray was inspirational, joyous, transgressed, hilarious and incredibly moving.

‘As a person she was off-the-scale charismatic, and deeply caring. We feel so privileged to have worked with her over the last decade.

‘Her body of work speaks of her extraordinary talent, what it doesn’t speak of is her kindness, intelligence and sense of fun.

‘This is too soon, too cruel. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this incredibly sad time.’