Alan Rickman died at the same age as Bowie at 69 also after battle with cancer

Fans have praised how courageous the stars were in their final days

It's been a sad week in showbiz with the death of a second talent today, Alan Rickman, who passed away at the same age as David Bowie at 69.

Both stars battled cancer and a family statement today read: "The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends."

The BAFTA winner was one of the country's most loved actors with roles including Professor Snape in the hugely-successful Harry Potter films.

Piers Morgan tweeted today: "David Bowie dead from cancer at 69. Now Alan Rickman dead from cancer at 69. Two great talents, one bloody awful disease."

Fans have also flooded social media with tributes to the star, with one posting: "Rest In Peace, Master-Actor Alan Rickman - at 69, like David Bowie, taken by cancer, again like David Bowie. Will be sorely missed."

A second wrote on the social media site: "David Bowie and Alan Rickman in the same week and at the same age, literally unbelievable."

Novellist Tony Parsons also added: "You have to note Alan Rickman and David Bowie showed incredible stoicism and quiet courage in the face of the illness that was killing them."

In April last year Alan revealed he had married his partner of 50 years, Rima Horton, in secret.

The pair had been in a relationship since they met at the Chelsea College of Art and Design, when he was 19 and she was 18.

The couple lived together in London for 50 years.