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Less than a fortnight ago, Sir Sean Connery died in his sleep, aged 90, and those who paid lavish tribute to the screen’s first and greatest James Bond have seemed determined to confer heroic status on him.

Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said she was ‘heartbroken’ to hear of his death, adding: ‘Our nation is today mourning one of our best-loved sons.’

Dame Shirley Bassey, who sang the Goldfinger and Diamonds Are Forever theme songs, said: ‘He was a wonderful person, a true gentleman, and will be forever in our hearts.’