Body found of missing actor Paul Bhattacharjee

The body of actor Paul Bhattacharjee who disappeared from a theatre a week ago has been found, police said tonight.

Mr Bhattacharjee, who starred in James Bond film Casino Royale and EastEnders, was last seen leaving rehearsals at the Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square, London, on July 10 and appeared to walk in the direction of a nearby Tube station.

The 53-year-old was said to be in good spirits that evening but after sending his girlfriend a text message at 9pm, no-one heard from him and he was reported missing.

Scotland Yard was contacted by officers in Sussex this morning and told that the body of a man matching his description had been found near cliffs at Splash Point in Seaford, East Sussex, last Friday.

Mr Bhattacharjee, from Redbridge, north-east London, was formally identified today and his next of kin have been informed. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Mr Bhattacharjee was also known for his roles in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, White Teeth and Dirty Pretty Things.

He had been due to appear in this week's play Talk Show at the Royal Court. His role in the play, which began last night, was recast.

He was part of the theatre's company of 14 actors performing in the Weekly Rep series, which sees six plays staged in six weeks, and had already appeared in two of the productions.

His friends and family had made pleas for his safe return, including his 24-year-old son Rahul Bhattacharjee-Prashar, who told the Evening Standard the disappearance was "completely out of character".

He added: "He was doing well in his career and everything seemed to be going okay."