Emmerdale star Gaynor Faye has spoken about her mother's death for the first time. It was announced last month that iconic writer Kay Mellor had died, aged 71.
Mellor who was also best known for penning hit TV series including Band of Gold and Fat Friends which aired from 2000 until 2005, died on Sunday May 15. A spokesperson for her TV production company, Rollem Productions, 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 15th 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 at this time."
Mellor's family have now thanked fans for their “wonderful words, messages and tributes” to the actress and scriptwriter after laying her to rest at a private funeral. Anthony, Yvonne and Gaynor Mellor said they were “heartbroken” by their loss but hoped to continue her legacy through her Independent Production Company Rollem.
The intimate funeral service took place on Tuesday and was attended by close family and friends, but no further details were provided. In a statement shared with the PA news agency, her family said: “We would like to thank everyone for the wonderful words, messages and tributes for Kay who was laid to rest on Tuesday.
"We would also like to say thank you for respecting our privacy at this very sad time. We are heartbroken and miss her terribly, but we hope to continue her legacy through Rollem.
"Kay was committed to getting new writers’ voices on screen and the team at Rollem, which Kay put together and nurtured, will continue her work." The statement added that a memorial event would take place later this year in order for those wishing to celebrate Mellor's life to pay their respects.
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.
And her daughter's clearly followed in her footsteps. Many will recognise Gaynor for roles in Corrie and Emmerdale, as well as Fat Friends and more recently The Syndicate.
Gaynor played Judy Mallett on the cobbles from 1995 until 1999. She wife of Gary Mallett, and mother to twins Billy and Becky. But prior to that, Gaynor had played Holly Quinn in Playing the Field, Lauren Harris in her mum's series Fat Friends, Georgia Lovett in Between the Sheets and Anna Williams Bedford in The Chase.
However, she is now probably best known for playing Megan Macey in Emmerdale from 2012 until 2019 when Megan left the Dales with her daughter, Eliza, following the death of her partner, Frank. Gaynor's sister Yvonne Francas is also a producer with work including BBC's Our Girl and ITV's Scott & Bailey.
