TAMWORTH’S Taj Southwell woke on Wednesday to news that shattered his life-long love affair with Star Wars.
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The father-of-three is among millions from across the world and the outer universe paying tribute to actress Carrie Fisher, who played iconic character, Princess Leia, after she died from a heart attack on Tuesday, aged 60.
Mr Southwell became addicted to the franchise as a three-year-old, when his brother made him watch Empire Strikes Back, the second installment in the original Star Wars trilogy.
His love affair has grown so much that a Darth Vadar head sits at the top of his Christmas tree, a Darth Vadar doll stands in his living room, and he boasts a collection of figurines, books and other prized memorabilia.
Social media went into a spin when news Ms Fisher had died first broke.
“Carrie Fisher was marvellous,” Mr Southwell said.
“She was always upfront, she overcame mental health issues.
“I’ve always seen her as an inspiration, being an iconic person and still being so upfront about everything.”
Mr Southwell quoted Yoda when mourning the loss of the original Princess Leia.
"Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force,” he said.
"Mourn them do not. Miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealousy. The shadow of greed that is. Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose."
Also paying tribute to Ms Fisher was Tamworth Forum 6 Cinemas manager and self-described Star Wars addict, Grant Lee.
“This lady was a remarkable actress who played a remarkable role,” Mr Lee said.
“She was somebody who was a nobody thrown in the deep end and did a great job (in the role of Princess Leia).
“We’re very lucky she’s already done the filming of episode 8, which comes out in December next year.”
Fisher died on Tuesday morning after suffering what was described as a massive heart attack on Friday while on a flight from London to Los Angeles.
She had been in London filming episodes of the Amazon/Channel 4 comedy Catastrophe.
Fisher was rushed from Los Angeles International Airport to UCLA Medical Center after the plane landed.