Body of Bond and EastEnders actor Paul Bhattacharjee found near Seaford cliffs following week-long disappearance

His death is not being treated as suspicious

A body found near cliffs has been identified as missing actor Paul Bhattacharjee (PA)

The body of the actor Paul Bhattacharjee, who disappeared a week ago, has been found, police have confirmed.

Bhattacharjee, 53, who appeared in the James Bond film Casino Royale and EastEnders, had last been seen leaving rehearsals at the Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square, London, on 10 July.

Scotland Yard confirmed that the body of a man matching his description, found near cliffs at Splash Point in Seaford, East Sussex, last Friday, was the actor.

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

The actor, who also appeared in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, White Teeth and Dirty Pretty Things, had been due to appear this week in the play Talk Show at the Royal Court.

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”.

The theatre world paid tributes to the actor. Director Jamie Lloyd wrote: “Very sad to hear about the death of Paul Bhattacharjee. He was a very fine actor. My thoughts are with his family.”

Muzz Khan, who appeared in Much Ado About Nothing alongside the late actor, said: “Rest In Peace, Paul Bhattacharjee. I can't believe you're gone, mate.”

Bhattacharjee was last seen appearing to walk in the direction of a nearby Tube station after leaving the Royal Court.

He 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.

Bend It Like Beckham actress Parminder Nagra, Sex in the City star Kim Cattrall and Stephen Fry - who went missing for a week in 1995 - all appealed to their followers for information about the actor.