Tributes have poured in for Kay Mellor, the screenwriter, who died suddenly at the age of 71.
Mellor was an actress and director but is perhaps best known for creating programmes such as Girlfriends, Fat Friends, Children’s War, The Syndicate and Band of Gold.
Her TV production company, Rollem Productions, said in a statement said “It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely and sudden passing of our beloved friend, mentor and colleague Kay Mellor on Sunday May 15 2022.
"We have lost a phenomenal talent and a true luminary. We ask that you please respect the privacy of her family and friends at this time."
Friend Russell T Davies, the writer of It's A Sin and Queer As Folk, described Mellor as having an "unshakeable belief in story, story, story", adding: "I think of her always when I'm writing."
He wrote on social media: "Kay Mellor has died. Creator of Band Of Gold, Fat Friends, Children's Ward, The Syndicate, and so much more. I adored her. She taught me so much. And she was hilarious!”
An inspirational writer
Barbara Dickson, who starred as Anita Braithwaite in Band Of Gold, said: "I am heartbroken to hear the news that Kay has died.
"She was an inspirational writer and a huge influence on me. My thoughts are with her family and friends."
Mellor, who was awarded the Bafta Dennis Potter award in 1998 for outstanding writing for television, was also remembered by the independent arts charity which said: "We're saddened to hear that Kay Mellor, the hugely influential Bafta-winning writer, actor and director, has died.
"Our thoughts are with her family and friends."
Actress Katherine Rose Morley, who led the cast of series four of The Syndicate, the drama series about different betting syndicates that win the lottery, said: "I am in complete shock and utterly heartbroken to hear about Kay Mellor.
"She showed me so much kindness from the moment we met and she made everyone's lives that bit brighter.
"I'm honoured to have known her and even more grateful for the opportunity she gave me. Always in my (heart)."
