Warwick Davis' wife Samantha dies aged 53
Actor Warwick Davis' wife Samantha has sadly died at the age of 53.
The Harry Potter star has paid tribute to his late wife, who passed away on 24 March, saying her presence in his life was like a 'super-power'.
He said in a statement to the BBC: "Her passing has left a huge hole in our lives as a family. I miss her hugs."
The pair met in 1988 on the set of Willow, tying the knot three years later.
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They share a daughter called Annabelle and a son called Harrison, while their eldest son Lloyd died when he was just nine days old in 1990.
Davis said Samantha - or 'Sammy', as she was known to him - was his 'most trusted confidant' and 'an ardent supporter' of everything he did in my career'.
"She was a unique character, always seeing the sunny side of life she had a wicked sense of humour and always laughed at my bad jokes," he continued, adding: "With her by my side, I was sure I could achieve anything, it was like having a super-power.
"Without Sammy, there would have been no Tenable quiz show, no Willow series."
He also said there would be 'no Idiot Abroad Series 3', as his wife had been the one to persuade comedian Ricky Gervais to send him off with Karl Pilkington for the popular travel series.
Their children Harrison and Annabelle have also shared a statement about their mum, remarking on 'her love and happiness' that 'carried' them through their whole lives.
"Mum is our best friend and we're honoured to have received a love like hers," they added.
Like her famous husband, Samantha featured in a number of TV series and films during her career, including as a goblin in 2010's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 and 80s children's show Through the Dragon's Eye.
Alongside Warwick, in 2012 she also co-founded the charity Little People UK, which works to help people with dwarfism, and their families.
"She was passionate about helping people, without judgment. She had time for everyone and a genuine listening ear," Warwick said.
Disney, which has become home to the Willow TV series that was a sequel to Warwick and Samantha's film, said the late star was a 'beloved member of the UK film and TV community.
It said in a statement: "Our thoughts are with the Davis family during this difficult time."
Topics: Celebrity, TV and Film
Jess Hardiman