Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick was devastated by the sudden death of his mentor, Oscar-winning director Anthony Minghella.

Westwick worked alongside Minghella on his first major project - 2007 film Breaking and Entering, alongside Jude Law.

The 20-year-old Brit credits the English Patient director with his own career success - claiming he was an acting and life coach rolled into one.

Westwick says, "My first job ever was Breaking and Entering with Anthony (Minghella), who I owe an incredible amount to. I was shocked and devastated by his death.

"He was someone who gave me not just acting lessons but life lessons through acting. He helped me a lot and basically taught me what I needed to get the next job and what I needed to step forward and keep moving on."

Minghella died in March at the age of 54, after suffering from a haemorrhage following an operation to remove cancer from his tonsils and neck