Daniel Craig leads celebrity tributes to Albert Finney

Daniel Craig said “the world has lost a giant” as he paid tribute to Albert Finney, who has died aged 82 following a short illness.

Five-time Oscar nominee Finney played James Bond’s gruff gamekeeper Kincade in Skyfall.

He said: “I’m deeply saddened by the news of Albert Finney’s passing. The world has lost a giant.”

Referencing Finney’s turn in the acclaimed 23rd Bond film, Craig added: “Wherever Albert is now, I hope there are horses and good company.”

The producers of the Bond franchise also paid tribute.

Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the co-producers of Eon Productions, led tributes to the late actor, best known for roles in Tom Jones, Erin Brockovich and Annie.

They said: “We are heartbroken at the loss of Albert Finney. It was a privilege to work with him and an honour to have had him as part of our Bond family.”

Celebrities from the world of comedy, television, film and theatre also posted messages online after the news broke.

Bernadette Peters starred opposite Finney as Lily St Regis, Rooster’s girlfriend, in the 1982 film version of Annie.

She said: “So sad to hear of the passing of Albert Finney. I had the great pleasure of working with him on ‘Annie’ the movie. Who could forget him in Tom Jones.”

Comic David Baddiel simply described Finney as “so brilliant” in a post to Twitter.

Albert Finney was 82.