Game of Thrones star Neil Fingleton, who was once declared Britain's tallest man, has died at the age of 36.

The actor, who grew up in County Durham, is reported to have tragically died of heart failure yesterday.

Standing at 7ft 7in, Neil Fingleton was declared the UK's tallest man in 2007, before moving to the USA to play basketball.

Here he is appearing in Game of Thrones...

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Credit: HBO

Fingleton spent two years at the University of North Carolina before transferring to Holy Cross in Massachusetts.

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After playing basketball professionally in Spain, China, Italy, Greece and England, Fingleton he began a career in acting.

In 2014, Fingleton played the giant Mag the Mighty in Game of Thrones and he also played The Fisher King in Doctor Who.

Speaking about his height back in 2007, he said: "I've never been embarrassed about my height and I actually like the size I am. It's something unique and original. My group of friends are great and I come from a good family, so being tall hasn't ever been an issue. I've not been self-conscious."