Emma Watson honours 'selfless' Dame Maggie Smith in heartfelt tribute

Emma Watson is paying tribute to her late Harry Potter co-star Dame Maggie Smith following her death at the age of 89.

The Beauty and the Beast star, who co-starred with the late actress in the film franchise from 2001 to 2011, took to her Instagram to mark her death in an honorary mention.

Sharing a behind-the-scenes photo of herself and Smith from Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2, Emma recalled her as she penned a heartwarming caption.

She wrote, "When I was younger I had no idea of Maggie's legend - the woman I was fortunate enough to share space with.

"It is only as I've become an adult that I've come to appreciate that I shared the screen with a true definition of greatness.”

Referring to her ‘honorable’ personality and characteristics, the 34-year-old heaped on praises for Maggie as she went on to add, "She was real, honest, funny and self-honouring. Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God you held your own.

"Thank you for all of your kindness. I'll miss you."

While Emma portrayed the role of Hermione Granger, Maggie starred alongside, playing the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the highly-acclaimed franchise.