Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info British actor Damian Lewis opened up on dealing with the death of his wife Helen McCrory as he spoke to Tommy Tiernan on the comedian's RTE chat show on Saturday night. Damian, known for roles in acclaimed TV shows such as Band of Brothers, Billions and Wolf Hall, was the first guest on Saturday's series finale of The Tommy Tiernan Show, with the actor discussing how he dealt with his grief following his wife's death in 2021. Helen, who starred as Peaky Blinders matriarch Aunt Polly and as Clair Dowar in the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall, tragically passed away at the age of 52 following a secret battle against cancer. Speaking to Tommy about his late wife, Damian said: "She was the best. She was incredible." (Image: Getty Images) Damian discussed how when Helen got sick she began to prepare the couple's two children for her death as he revealed: "Helen's incredible act of generosity was to normalise death as much as possible for everyone around her, particularly for our children, and essentially to reassure everybody that she had had the life she wanted. "Done the things she wanted, had the family she wanted, married the man she wanted, and so it was an act of incredible bravery and generosity because her heart must have been breaking." Damian opened up about how he dealt with the grief of his wife's death, telling viewers: "There's a well-known sort of psychological state in grief, or post any sort of trauma, which is called the manic defense. "I have the manic defense in a very pronounced way, which is that part of you with which you affirm life. So in amongst the inevitable days of being in a heap on the floor bawling your eyes out, there is your manic defense, which is like, 'come on, live life, move forward,' and reaffirm life. "That life is is there for the taking, to be lived. Especially when you have two children, you know, making sure that they have a sense of that that everything is not over." Viewers were captivated by the searingly honest chat between Damian and Tommy, with many taking to social media to praise the "compelling" and "fascinating" interview. "Such a fascinating, wide-ranging interview. Was particularly captivated with how he was managing grief. Could really relate to his description of it being a manic defence," one viewer wrote. "As a man who interviews people for a living, broaching the subject of a recent bereavement has to be delicately negotiated, but often reveals something wonderful about the interviewee. Damian Lewis on #TommyTiernanShow is a fine example of a positive approach to grief," another fan added. "For all the grief that is written on Damian Lewis face especially when he talks about Helen...... when he smiles it's just wow....he's still here doing the very best he can, I wish nothing but happiness for him and his Children, great interview," a third said. While a fourth added: "This is an absolutely compelling interview one of the best yet." Viewers were also quick to praise Tommy for his handling of the sensitive subject of grief, with one person writing: "Amazes me how @Tommedian can get such utterly insightful interviews from random everyday people as well as the more well known stars - treating them all equally, with the same level of respect regardless of their stature in society. Adore this show - bravo Tommy". Another viewer wrote: "Such a moving conversation. Tommy, the way you choose and construct your questions is a gift!" While another fan said that they were hoping see plenty more of Tommy on Tv, writing: "Can we get the Tommy Tiernan Show on RTE every night? It would almost make me pay the TV licence...Almost!" Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.