Jeremy Clarkson has paid a heartfelt tribute to Oscar-winning actress Dame Maggie Smith who went to school in Oxford.

The star, known for her many roles including the Harry Potter franchise, passed away at 89 years old with her death being announced by her sons on Friday.

Ms Smith grew up in Oxfordshire and was educated at Oxford High School for Girls and later the Oxford Playhouse School.

Following her death, another resident Oxfordshire celebrity paid their respects.

READ MORE: James May responds to Clarkson’s Farm spin-off rumours

Jeremy Clarkson lives at his Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington near Chipping Norton and offered a heartfelt tribute to the late actress.

On Saturday, Mr Clarkson posted: “I don’t normally comment on a famous person’s death.

“But I met Maggie Smith a few times and my God she was funny.”

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