The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Tributes after death at 71 of ‘beloved’ top TV screenwriter Mellor
Stars from the world of TV and beyond have paid tribute to screenwriter Kay Mellor, hailed as “our voice of the north”, after her death aged 71.
The actress, director and writer of TV shows like The Syndicate, Fat Friends, and Band of Gold, died on Sunday, a spokesperson for her TV production company Rollem Productions said.
A statement to the PA news agency said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely and sudden passing of our beloved friend, mentor and colleague Kay Mellor.
“We have lost a phenomenal talent and a true luminary. We ask that you please respect the privacy of the family and friends at this time.”
Mellor began her career writing plays, worked on Coronation Street and created the award-winning children’s drama Children’s Ward.
She also wrote BBC One’s women’s football series Playing The Field and in 2010 received an OBE.
Bafta-nominated series Fat Friends focused on the members of a slimming group in Leeds, and starred James Corden, Ruth Jones, Alison Steadman and Mellor’s youngest daughter, Gaynor Faye.
Faye has also starred in Coronation Street, Emmerdale and The Chase on BBC One, a series which she co-wrote with her mother.
It’s A Sin and Queer As Folk writer Russell T Davies spoke of Mellor’s “unshakeable belief in story, story, story”, adding: “I think of her always when I’m writing.”
In an Instagram post, he wrote: “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!
“I was invited on her This Is Your Life, she walked through the double doors, saw me and said ‘What are you doing here?’
“She mentored so many. She had an unshakeable belief in story, story, story, I think of her always when I’m writing.
“I once saw A Passionate Woman in the West End. There’s a line where the mum says that now her son’s leaving home, she doesn’t know how much milk to order. And a sigh went round the auditorium.
“I’ve never heard anything like it; 800 people recognising that thought. What a talent. What a power. What a joy. Christ, she was funny. I love you Kay.”
Barbara Dickson, who starred as Anita Braithwaite in Band of Gold, tweeted: “I am heartbroken to hear the news that Kay has died.
“She was an inspirational writer and a huge influence on me.”
West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin said: “Our voice of the north, she put working class characters at the centre of her brilliant compassionate, moving and funny stories. Such a loss.”
Mellor, who received the Bafta Dennis Potter Award in 1998 for outstanding writing for television, was also remembered by the independent arts charity who tweeted: “We’re saddened to hear that Kay Mellor, the hugely influential Baftawinning writer, actor and director whose hit TV series include Fat Friends, Band of Gold and Playing The Field, has died.”
Actress Katherine Rose Morley, who led the cast of series four of The Syndicate, the drama series from Mellor about betting syndicates that win the lottery, said she was “heartbroken”. She said on Twitter: “She showed me so much kindness from the moment we met and 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.”
Lisa Riley, who played Rebecca Patterson in Fat Friends, said on Twitter: “Dearest Kay rest in peace... what a massive shock to hear this news, you have been taken far far far too young. You were the best boss to work for, you embraced all that is good about our industry, believing in talent.”
Emmerdale actor and I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! winner Danny Miller also paid tribute, tweeting: “She was an incredible talent in the TV world and someone who always had a warming smile on offer with open arms. Sending all of my love to Gaynor and the rest of the beautiful family.”