The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Hancock’s Half Hour and Steptoe And Son co-writer Ray Galton, 88
Ray Galton, who along with partner Alan Simpson forged one of the country’s best-loved comedy writing teams, has died aged 88.
Hancock’s Half Hour and Steptoe And Son were among the TV comedy classics penned by the duo during a successful career and friendship that spanned 70 years.
Mr Galton died on Friday night after a long and heartbreaking battle with dementia, his family said.
Mr Simpson, who had undergone a long battle with lung disease, died in February 2017.
His manager Tessa Le Bars said: “I have had the great honour of working with Ray for over 50 years and for the last 40 as his manager and friend.
“With his lifelong co-writer, the late Alan Simpson, they were regarded as the fathers and creators of British sitcom.
“The end of an iconic era, but the legacy of Hancock’s Half Hour, Steptoe And Son and over 600 scripts is huge.
“They will endure, inspire and bring laughter to the nation for evermore.”
A statement from the Galton family said: “Ray passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.
“We respectfully request there are no attempts to contact the Galton family home at this time.”
The pair also wrote television, film and stage scripts for comic talents including Frankie Howerd, Peter Sellers, Leonard Rossiter and Arthur Lowe.
Actor, writer and presenter David Walliams praised Mr Galton for his inspirational work, saying that he and his onscreen comedy partner Matt Lucas had cherished meeting the pioneering TV writers.
He described Mr Galton and Mr Simpson as “the masters”, adding: “What an incredible body of work Ray Galton has left us with.
“Some of the greatest TV comedy ever written, ‘Hancock’ & ‘Steptoe & Son’ are still the gold standard of sitcoms.
“Matt & I got to spend time with him & Alan Simpson. I was in complete & utter awe.”
Meanwhile, Emmy award-winning comedy writer and producer Simon Blackwell tweeted: “Very sad indeed to hear that Ray Galton has died.
“He and Alan reached such heights in terms of structure and character.”