Veteran star dubbed 'the perfect actress' Billie Whitelaw dies aged 82

Acclaimed actress Billie Whitelaw died in the early hours of Sunday at a nursing home in London.

17:18 22 December 2014

Coventry-born star Billie Whitelaw has died. The acclaimed actress, who was famous for her roles on across a variety of genres on the stage and screen, died on Sunday at a nursing home in London.

Whitelaw worked closely with playwright Samuel Beckett who described her as “the perfect actress”.

Her son Matthew has confirmed the news to BBC. He said: "I could not have asked for a more loving mum.”

"She had an incredible career - but first and foremost she was my mum - and that's who I will miss," he added.

Celebrities quickly paid tribute via Twitter following the news.

Gary Kemp wrote: "Deeply saddened that Billie Whitelaw has died. I'll always remember her as a generous and towering actor, and 'Mum'."

His brother Martin also tweeted: ""Desperately sad to hear the news... an honour to get to know you on The Krays."

Billie was born in 1932 and started acting on the radio at the age of 11. She was famous for her role as Mrs Baylock in horror film The Omen and more recently appeared in the comedy Hot Fuzz.