British actress Rachael Stirling has spoken out 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 was unprepared for the reaction it would draw.

The comparison drew widespread attention after Stirling opened up about the private gesture she made following her mother's death.

She made clear that the act was an intimate farewell and not something she felt required justification.

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

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

Stirlng is also set to appear at an upcoming event in Tisbury.