Dame Maggie Smith has died in hospital, her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens have said.

The 89-year-old Oscar-winning actress was known for starring in films and shows including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

The much-loved star sadly passed away in hospital on Friday, September 27, her sons revealed.

(Image: Steven Paston, PA) In a statement issued via their publicist, they said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.

“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27.

“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.

“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”

(Image: Ian West, PA)

Born in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934, she was an internationally recognised actress for much of her life after playing the fanatical teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.

She also won over Harry Potter fans later in life, when she appeared in the film series as the quick-witted, kind and formidable Professor McGonagall.

And in 2010 she was central to the success of the ITV series Downton Abbey, in her Emmy-award-winning role as the acerbic Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, which she continued to play in the films.