Kay Mellor, a five-time BAFTA-nominated writer of such British dramas as The Syndicate and Band of Gold, has died. She was 71.
Her production company, Rollem Productions, released a statement confirming the news, saying: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely and sudden passing of our beloved friend, mentor and colleague Kay Mellor on Sunday 15 May 2022. We have lost a phenomenal talent and a true luminary. We ask that you please respect the privacy of the family and friends.
Mellor was considered British TV writing royalty, and had hits with the BBC series The Syndicate, which was remade for ABC as Lucky 7 in 2013; and ITV dramas Girlfriends and Band of Gold. She also wrote Fat Friends, which was among the first shows to star James Corden.
She received BAFTA’s Dennis Potter Award four outstanding TV writing in 1998.
The industry reacted with shock and compassion this morning, with many taking to social media to post tributes. One producer who worked with Mellor on indie production initiatives told Deadline he was “devastated” and would remember her as “a champion” and “full of life.”
“I’m shocked and deeply saddened to hear that Kay Mellor has suddenly passed away,” said BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore. “Kay was an outstanding writer and creative force behind many of the nation’s best loved television dramas. She wrote with such heart, humanity, humour and passion with strong female characters often taking center stage.
“She will be missed and our thoughts are with her friends and family at this difficult time.”
Actor, comedian and campaigner Lenny Henry added: “I was saddened to hear that Kay Mellor has died. I was lucky to work with her on The Syndicate and found her to be incredibly creative , funny and instinctive. She knew what she wanted and knew how to get the best from us as actors. She will be missed. Condolences to her family.”
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