Film Director Ken Russell Dies Aged 84

The British film director Ken Russell, who was behind the Oscar-winning film Women In Love, has died aged 84.

The filmmaker passed away "peacefully in his sleep" in hospital on Sunday, his son Alex said.

Friend and fellow director, Michael Winner, told Sky News: "Ken was absolutely unique in the history of British cinema...he pushed the barriers."

"No one has ever come near it, no one has tried to copy him. He was just so unusual.

Known for his extravagant style, Russell's films were often controversial.

His adaptation of D H Lawrence's Women In Love became notorious for its nude wrestling scene between Alan Bates and Oliver Reed.

Nominated for four Academy Awards, the film's leading lady Glenda Jackson took home the best actress Oscar in 1970.

Russell's religious drama The Devils was banned in several countries due to its violent and sexual content.

Featuring an infamous scene between Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave sexualising the crucifixion, it will be released for the first time in its original, uncut form in March 2012.

Winner added: "He was a jolly, he was very pleasant. He was not the lunatic sadist that you might have thought seeing him in the movies. Nor was he the lunatic sex maniac. He was very pleasant."

Russell's biggest commercial success was his film version of The Who's rock opera Tommy, released in 1976.

Born in Southampton in 1927, Russell served in the RAF and merchant navy before beginning his career as a photographer.

He cut his teeth in the TV industry at the BBC where he made arts documentaries.

In recent years he had faded from the spotlight although in 2007 he made a surprise return to television to take part in the fifth series of Celebrity Big Brother.

He quit the show after just four days following a disagreement with fellow contestant Jade Goody and her family.

Married four times, Russell was father to six children.