'Harry Potter' star Tom Felton pays tribute to screen mum Helen McCrory: 'She shaped me as a person'

Watch: Tom Felton & Jason Isaacs add tributes to Harry Potter co-star Helen McCrory

Harry Potter actor Tom Felton has paid a heartfelt tribute to Helen McCrory, saying "she helped shape me as a person so much".

Felton starred as Draco Malfoy in the film adaptations of JK Rowling's books, with McCrory playing his mother Narcissa Malfoy.

The actor, also known for her role as Aunt Polly in TV drama Peaky Blinders, died on Friday from cancer aged 52.

Read more: Damian Lewis's tribute to 'utterly heroic' wife Helen McCrory

Posting a still from their time on Harry Potter on Instagram, Felton shared his thoughts on the passing of his friend.

He wrote: "So sad to say farewell so suddenly - I never took the chance to tell her, but she helped shape me as a person so much - on & off screen - She was always relentlessly herself- razor sharp wit - silver tongued - kind & warm hearted - she suffered no fools yet had time for everyone - thank you for lighting the way forward & holding my hand when I needed it xx"

Many of McCrory's fans were shocked to hear of her death, because she had kept her cancer battle private.

Read more: How Helen McCrory spent her final year helping others

Her husband Damian Lewis shared the sad news in a statement that read: "I'm heartbroken to announce that after a heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family.

"She died as she live. Fearlessly. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you."

Harry Potter author JK Rowling also paid tribute to McCrory, writing: “I’m devastated to learn of the death of Helen McCrory, an extraordinary actress and a wonderful woman who’s left us far too soon. My deepest condolences to her family, especially her husband and children. Simply heartbreaking news.”

McCrory’s Peaky Blinders co-star Cillian Murphy said: “I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend.

“Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being. She was also a gifted actor – fearless and magnificent. She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played. It was a privilege to have worked with this brilliant woman, to have shared so many laughs over the years. I will dearly miss my pal. My love and thoughts are with Damian and her family.”

Fellow Peaky Blinders star Sophie Rundle posted on Instagram: "God she was so f***ing cool though. It is entirely senseless and brutal to lose Helen, she was an extraordinary and remarkable person. Quite shockingly talented. What a privilege to have worked with her these past years, I can’t overstate how much I admired her. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones. Our Pol. What a heavy loss. We will miss her so dearly."

McCrory had two children with Lewis, daughter Manon, 14, and son Gulliver, 13.

Watch: Helen McCrory dies aged 52