British actress Rachael Stirling has broken her silence after media coverage compared her to a cannibal, following her admission that she ate some of the ashes of her mother, Diana Rigg, who died in 2020.

Stirlng described the act as a personal tribute and said she had not expected the reaction it would draw.

The comparison caught public attention after Stirling discussed the private gesture she made following her mother's death.

She made clear that the act was a private form of mourning and not something she felt required justification.

Diana Rigg was a hugely admired actress, remembered for her roles in The Avengers and Game of Thrones.

Rigg's place in entertainment history remains strong, and Stirling has long reflected publicly on her influence.

Stirlng is also expected to take part at an upcoming event in Tisbury.