Sean Connery dead: James Bond legend dies aged 90

Sir Sean Connery, the actor who defined James Bond, has died aged 90.

The Scottish actor, who celebrated his birthday in August, was best known for his portrayal of the British spy from 1962 when he starred in Dr No.

Today, Sir Sean’s son Jason told the BBC his father died peacefully in his sleep overnight while in the Bahamas, having been “unwell for some time”.

Jason Connery said his father “had many of his family who could be in the Bahamas around him” when he died.

He said: “We are all working at understanding this huge event as it only happened so recently, even though my dad has been unwell for some time.

“A sad day for all who knew and loved my dad and a sad loss for all people around the world who enjoyed the wonderful gift he had as an actor.”

The family added: "There will be a private ceremony followed by a memorial yet to be planned once the virus has ended."

Sir Sean was the first actor to bring the role to the big screen and was followed by the likes of Roger Moore, Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan.

He was widely regarded as the best Bond in history and regularly topped cinematic polls.

He appeared in seven of the spy thrillers - six plus the unofficial Never Say Never Again in 1983 -including From Russia with Love and Goldfinger.

Connery, from Fountainbridge in Edinburgh, was heavily acclaimed during his career. His awards included an Oscar, two Bafta awards and three Golden Globes during his five-decade career

His Oscar came in 1988, when he was named best supporting actor for his role as an Irish police officer in The Untouchables.

Sir Sean's other films included Indiana Jones, the Last Crusade, The Hunt for Red October and The Rock.

He was knighted by the Queen at Holyrood Palace in 2000.

Tributes were today paid to the actor.

On Twitter, Lorraine Kelly wrote: “Just when you thought 2020 couldn’t get any shittier the sad news that Sean Connery has died. RIP - best ever Bond.”

Piers Morgan wrote: “The first James Bond. The best James Bond. What sad news.”

Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "I was heartbroken to learn this morning of the passing of Sir Sean Connery. Our nation today mourns one of her best loved sons."

Hugh Jackman added: “I grew up idolizing #SeanConnery. A legend on screen, and off. Rest In Peace.”

BAFTA tweeted: “We are very sorry to hear of the death of British acting legend Sir Sean Connery. He was a BAFTA Fellow, a BAFTA Special Award recipient and won a Leading Actor BAFTA in 1988 for The Name Of The Rose.”

Paddy McGuinness wrote: “Icon, legend, phenomenon, megastar. 2020 is just relentless! RIP Sean Connery. #007”

Oliver Dowden wrote: “Saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Sean Connery - a true legend and British icon.”

The upcoming Bond movie No Time To Die has been delayed until 2021.