Screen legends Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson yesterday paid tribute to writer, director and actor David Leland following his death aged 82.

Cambridge-born Leland, whose career spanned more than five decades, died on Christmas Eve “held tight by his loving family”. He gave Brosnan his “first opportunity to act on stage” in 1977.

The James Bond star, 70, said: “David holds a mighty place in my heart. He will forever be an essential part of my story.” Leland’s later directorial credits include The Big Man in 1990, starring Neeson, Sir Billy Connolly and Hugh Grant.

Neeson, 71, said: “David was a dream to work with. I loved his mischievous sense of humour.”

Leland wrote two hit films about British madam Cynthia Payne. The second, Wish You Were Here, was his directorial debut and won a Bafta for best screenplay in 1988. He is survived by his wife and four daughters.