Tributes to celebrated actor Albert Finney, who has died at the age of 82

Celebrated actor Albert Finney has died at the age of 82, a family spokesman has said.

The star, who was born in Salford, was best known for his roles in Erin Brockovich, Murder On The Orient Express and Annie.

A statement from his family said: "Albert Finney, aged 82, passed away peacefully after a short illness with those closest to him by his side.

"The family request privacy at this sad time."

The five-time Oscar nominee, who was born in Salford in 1936, made his movie debut with a small part in The Entertainer in 1960.

Director Tony Richardson then offered Finney the lead in kitchen-sink drama Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, and period romp Tom Jones, which made him a major star.

He most recently starred in the James Bond film Skyfall and the Bourne films.

Actor David Morrissey paid tribute to Finney on Instagram and Twitter writing: "One of the true great. Both on stage and screen. A powerhouse of an actor. A real hero of mine. RIP Albert Finney".

Bafta also remembered the actor, who was honoured with a Bafta Fellowship in 2001.

They said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Albert Finney. The recipient of the BAFTA Fellowship in 2001, Finney will be warmly remembered for his powerful performances in Saturday Night And Sunday Morning, Tom Jones, Big Fish and many more".

Actor Rufus Sewell tweeted: "Very sad to hear about Albert Finney. I had the enormous privilege of working with him early on. Apart from being effortlessly great he was also a great all round example of how to behave".