A beloved member of the UK film industry who worked on major films like Stars Wars and Harry Potter was found by builders renovating his home having taken his own life, an inquest has heard.

Forty-eight-year-old Steve Wright was discovered by builders who had arrived to continue renovating Steve and his wife Nicola’s home in Chalfont St Giles.

Steve had been in relationship with Nicola Pearce for 20 years, having first met at college in Wimbledon. The pair had moved to Chalfont St Giles in 2010.

Nicola told the coroner’s court that Steve had been diagnosed with depression a few years ago but said that there were “no issues between us”.

The couple and their two children had moved out of their home whilst it was being renovated.

In a statement read out in court, Nicola said: “Steve was a perfectionist and found it very difficult to cope when things went wrong.

“I found his tablets at the back of a kitchen cupboard and he said he had stopped taking them. I told him that I did not think this was a good idea.”

One of the builders, John Sergeant, said that he had returned to the home to continue renovation work on March 21, but could not find the key that was normally hidden out of sight.

When he went to the back of the property to try and see if the key had been left inside, he discovered Steve’s body.

Nicola had been concerned that Steve had not returned home the night before. She had taken her children to school, and said: “as I walked home, I saw an ambulance. I knew something had gone wrong. I knew they were there for Steve.”

Senior coroner Crispin Butler ruled that Mr Wright died as a result of hanging.

Steve was well known within the UK movie effects industry having worked as an animatronic designer on many box office hits, including the The Mummy and Prometheus films.

A JustGiving page has been set up on behalf of Steve’s family, with more than £37,000 being raised so far. On a website set up in memory of Steve, many people who knew him have left heartfelt messages of condolence.

One read: “For me, it has been an honour to have known Steve and to be able to see how he worked. Great professional and great person.”

Another said: “Although I didn’t know you as well as some of the gang on the SW movies, you certainly made an impression on me.

“Such a kind and friendly person, always smiling and always making sure others smiled around you. I’m so glad I got to meet you; I will never forget you.”

For confidential support in the UK, call the Samaritans on 116123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit a local Samaritans branch. See samaritans.org for more details.