Maggie Smith 'battling breast cancer'

Dame Maggie Smith has been diagnosed with breast cancer, a report claims.

A friend told the Daily Telegraph that the actress has already completed a course of chemotherapy.

The source is quoted as saying: "[Maggie] is dealing with it in her typically brave and understated way.

"She has had a tumour removed and subsequently completed a course of chemotherapy. This was precautionary and the prognosis looks good. The last thing she wants to do is to make a fuss about it.”

Dame Maggie, 73, is thought to have been undergoing radiation therapy while filming her role as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince.

Her scenes in forthcoming Julian Fellowes film From Time to Time have reportedly been delayed while she receives treatment.

She has won two Oscars and five BAFTAs during a career spanning more than 50 years.