Tributes poured in for Kay Mellor after the famous writer and TV actress died at the age of 71.
Kay is the woman who brought us a string of hit dramas, including the 190s ITV series Band of Gold, which gave Hollywood actress Samantha Morton her breakthrough role, as well as Fat Friends, starring a young James Corden and Lisa Riley from Emmerdale, alongside Kay’s daughter, ex-Coronation Street star and Dancing on Ice champion Gaynor Faye.
More recently Kay has penned the hit BBC dramas The Syndicate and Age Before Beauty and has also worked on Coronation Street, Playing The Field and Children’s Ward during her illustrious small screen career.
News of his passing on Sunday was confirmed by the spokesperson for his TV production company, Rollem Productions, in a statement which read: ‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely and sudden passing of our well- loved friend, mentor and colleague Kay Mellor on Sunday, May 15, 2022.
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“We have lost a phenomenal talent and a real luminary. We ask that you please respect the privacy of family and friends at this time. »
Reacting to the news of Kay’s death, BBC content manager Charlotte Moore said: “I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear that Kay Mellor has passed away suddenly. Kay was an exceptional writer and creative force behind many of the country’s most beloved television dramas.
“She wrote with so much heart, humanity, humor 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. .”
Emmerdale actor and I’m A Celebrity winner Danny Miller took to Twitter to write: “Devastated to hear of the passing of Dear Kay Mellor. Incredible talent in the world of TV and someone “one who has always offered a warm smile with open arms. Sending all my love to Gaynor and the rest of the beautiful family during this difficult time.” Brookside and Ackley Bridge actress turned Loose Women panelist Sunetra Sarker wrote: “Devastated to hear of the passing of one of Britain’s finest female writers. I admire and respect #KayMellor immensely. I remember how comfortable she made me when I worked with her, so smart and witty. From the iconic Band of Gold to the present day, she has truly stood up for women.”
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