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 sparked significant media interest after Stirling shared details of the private gesture she made following her mother's death.

She made clear that the act was deeply personal and not something she felt warranted criticism.

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

Rigg's standing as a cultural icon remains well established, and Stirling has long paid tribute to her influence.

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