Linford Cazenove, 25, was killed when his Audi Quattro careered through the central reservation on the M11 in Essex on Friday lunchtime.

Coming to terms with the loss of their eldest son, named after his Welsh-born grandfather Linford, the couple paid tribute to him saying they were grateful for the joy he gave during his all-too-short life.

Angharad Rees as Demelza Poldark

Linford, who has a younger brother, Rhys, had recently gained a postgraduate degree in philosophy from Cambridge.

He was on his way to pick up a friend and the last of his books before travelling back to London.

A statement issued by the family read: "Linford in his 25 years lived life to the fullest.

"He had just gained a masters degree in philosophy at Cambridge having already achieved a degree in politics and philosophy at Edinburgh University.

"His great love apart from philosophy was the theatre, and at Edinburgh he had much success with his production at the festival.

"He is best remembered for his own adaption of three short stories from the Dubliners by James Joyce which he also directed and which won the Scotsman Fringe First Award and was the runner-up in the Guardian student drama awards."

Devastated

"We his family are devastated by our loss but are grateful for all the joy he gave us during his all too short life."

Former Poldark star Angharad flew home from Europe after hearing the devastating news.

The Cardiff-born actress, who divorced Dynasty star Cazenove in 1994, had recently branched out on a new career in jewellery design.