Diana Rigg death: James Bond and Game of Thrones star dies aged 82

Rigg appeared in the sixth Bond film, ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’

Diana Rigg, star of The Avengers, James Bond and Game of Thrones, has died aged 82.

Her 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.”

Rigg played Bond girl Countess Teresa di Vicenzo in the sixth 007 film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service. She also appeared in the iconic Sixties series The Avengers as Emma Peel.

She trained as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company after graduating. 

A few years later, in 1965, Rigg screen-tested for the part of John Steed's female companion in The Avengers after Honor Blackman left to play Pussy Galore in Goldfinger. Her character Peel became a feminist icon.

Diana Rigg and George Lazenby in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (Rex Features)

Rigg won many awards throughout her career. In 1990, she received a Bafta for the role of an obsessive mother in the BBC drama Mother Love. She also won a Tony in 1994 for best actress in Medea. 

She won an Emmy for her role as Mrs Danvers in a TV adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca and gained an Emmy nomination for her role as Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones.

She was made a CBE in 1988 and a Dame in 1994 for services to drama.