Warwick Davis' wife Samantha has died aged 53

Warwick, who met Samantha on the set of 'Willow' in 1988 and married three years later, said in a statement: "Her passing has left a huge hole in our lives as a family. I miss her hugs.

"She was a unique character, always seeing the sunny side of life she had a wicked sense of humour and always laughed at my bad jokes.

"Without Sammy, there would have been no 'Tenable' quiz show, no 'Willow' series. No 'Idiot Abroad Series 3'."

Waewick added his late wife was his most "trusted confidante" and an "ardent supporter of everything I did in my career".

The couple's children, Harrison and Annabelle, added in their tribute: "Mum is our best friend and we're honoured to have received a love like hers

"Her love and happiness carried us through our whole lives."

Actress Samantha's dad Peter was an extra alongside her in 'Willow' and she had achondroplasia - a bone growth disorder that causes disproportionate dwarfism.

To mark her birthday, Warwick posted a tribute to his "beautiful wife" on X, adding: "I so admire how she faces life's challenges with dignity, energy & courage - she's an inspiration."

Warwick was born with Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita - a rare genetic form of dwarfism - that was inherited by his and Samantha's daughter Annabelle and son Harrison.

He previously revealed how his and Samantha's conditions resulted in the deaths of two of their babies.

The first, Lloyd, died after nine days as his lungs were too small to support normal function and they lost son George when Samantha was 19 weeks pregnant.

Warwick said the deaths brought him closer to his wife, adding: "That kind of stuff just makes you stronger."