Subject: Paul Bhattacharjee's body found in East Sussex

The body of an actor who appeared in the James Bond film Casino Royale has been found.

Paul Bhattacharjee, 53, was last seen leaving the Royal Court theatre in London's Sloane Square on 10 July.

His body was found at Splash Point cliffs in Seaford, East Sussex, on 12 July. It was confirmed on Wednesday that it was the actor.

Next of kin have been informed. Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious.

The actor, from Redbridge, north-east London, was said to be in good spirits when he was last seen but after sending a text message to his girlfriend at 21:00 BST, no-one heard from him and an appeal was launched.

The Met was contacted on Wednesday morning by Sussex Police who said a body matching his description had been found last week.

Mr Bhattacharjee had been due to appear in this week's play Talk Show at the Royal Court. His role in the play, which began last night, was recast.

Artistic Director of the Royal Court Theatre Vicky Featherstone said: "We are deeply shocked and completely devastated at the loss of our dear friend and brilliant colleague.

"Paul has been such an important part of the world of theatre in so many ways and we shall miss him terribly."

Bend It Like Beckham actress Parminder Nagra, Sex in the City star Kim Cattrall and Stephen Fry all took to Twitter to appeal for help to find the actor.

Musician and composer Nitin Sawhney tweeted: "The saddest day. My friend (cast as Tagore in my play) Paul Bhattacharjee was found dead yesterday."

Director Jamie Lloyd wrote: "Very sad to hear about the death of Paul Bhattacharjee. He was a very fine actor. My thoughts are with his family."

Mr Bhattacharjee played a doctor in Casino Royale in 2006 and appeared in several episodes of EastEnders as Inzamam between 2008 and 2010. He had also appeared in TV shows Waking the Dead, Spooks and The Bill.

Last year he appeared as Benedick opposite Meera Syal in an Royal Shakespeare Company production of Much Ado about Nothing.