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The UK’s tallest man who grew up in County Durham before finding fame on Game of Thrones has died.

Standing at 7ft 7in, Neil Fingleton was declared the UK’s tallest man in 2007 and moved stateside to build a career as a basketballer.

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

After a successful career playing professionally in Spain, China, Italy, Greece and England, Fingleton turned his attention to acting.

In 2014, Fingleton played the giant Mag the Mighty in the HBO TV series Game of Thrones and he played the villain The Fisher King in BBC’s Doctor Who.

Back in 2007 Neil told the Journal that he was used to getting attention because of his oversized stature.

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

(Image: Daily Mirror)

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.”

The 36-year-old is reported to have tragically died of heart failure on Saturday and tributes have flooded in on social media.

An old friend from Durham, Peter Mann, said Neil was very well known in his home town.

“You can’t miss a man that’s stands at 7ft 7, I would say people followed his success,” he said.

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.”

On Facebook an organisation which works with extremely tall people, The Tall Persons Club posted: “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.”