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Game of Thrones star Neil Fingleton has died at the age of 36.

Tributes have flooded in on social media after Mr Fingleton, who played the giant Mag the Mighty in the fourth season of the HBO series, reportedly died of heart failure on Saturday.

Mr Fingleton, who at 7ft 7in was once declared Britain's tallest man, also portrayed villain The Fisher King in Doctor Who.

He also had a role 2011 film X-Men: First Class.

Game of Thrones star Ian Whyte, who also played a giant on the show, tweeted: "Very sad to hear of the tragic passing of Neil Fingleton. He followed his dreams. Rest in peace."

(Image: Tim Anderson)

Mr Fingleton grew up in County Durham but moved to the US to build a career in basketball, before he turned his attention towards acting.

He was declared the UK's tallest man in 2007.

His most famous acting role came in 2014, when he appeared as Mag Mar Tun Doh Weg, or Mag the Mighty.

He is referred to as the King of the giants by Mance Rayder, leader of the free folk army under which Mag serves.

(Image: HBO)

In 2015 he appeared alongside Peter Capaldi's Doctor Who, as the monstrous Fisher King.

Although Mr Fingleton appeared on the screen, the Fisher King's voice was actually dubbed by comedian and actor Peter Sarafinowicz and Slipnknot singer Corey Taylor.

Mr Fingleton gave an interview to the Journal in 2007 after being crowned Britain's tallest man, and said he was used to getting attention because of his oversized stature, reports the Newcastle Chronicle.

(Image: Youtube/DR Who) (Image: Youtube/DR Who)

He said: “I do cause a bit of a stir wherever I go, with people pulling out cameras, but it doesn’t bother me.”

“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.”

Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guiness World Records, posted a picture of himself and Mr Fingleton in New York.

He wrote: "Really sad to hear about the untimely passing of Neil Fingleton, Britain's tallest man. Have many fun memories of our trips together."

On Twitter Matthew Rose said: “Extremely saddened to learn that #NeilFingleton has passed away, thoughts go with his family and friends in this sad time.”

The Tall Persons Club, an organisation which works with extremely tall people, posted on Facebook: “Sadly it has come to our attention that Neil Fingleton, Britain’s Tallest man passed away on Saturday.

"Neil started off in basketball in the USA before becoming a actor and starring in the X-men first class and also recently in the Game of Thrones.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family.”

(Image: Universal Pictures)

Back in 2008, speaking about his acting career, Neil said: "My height has given me a way into the entertainment industry, which is where I want to be.

"I’ve been offered a TV show in the States called My Giant Life so I’m just waiting for my visa.

“I won’t do anything degrading. I have been asked to do porn before but I’ve always refused. I’d find it dehumanising and exploitative.

“I don’t mind having a bit of fun with my height. But when it’s fun at my expense then I’ll draw the line.

“I’m proud to be tall. I’ve always had good friends around me and it’s never been something they’ve frowned upon.

"I never experienced any bullying at school and my parents always taught me to appreciate my uniqueness.”