Tributes have come flooding for Kay Mellor after the acclaimed TV writer and actress died at the age of 71.
Kay is the woman who brought us a string of smash hit dramas including gritty 190s ITV series Band of Gold, which gave Hollywood actress Samantha Morton her breakthrough role, as well as Fat Friends, famously starring a young James Corden and Emmerdale's Lisa Riley, alongside Kay's daughter, ex Coronation Street star and Dancing on Ice champion Gaynor Faye.
Most recently Kay put her pen to successful BBC dramas The Syndicate and In The Club and also worked on Coronation Street, Playing The Field and Children's Ward during her illustrious small screen career.
News of her passing on Sunday was confirmed by spokesperson for her 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 beloved friend, mentor and colleague Kay Mellor on Sunday 15th May 2022.
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“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.”
Reacting to news of Kay's death, BBC’s chief content officer, Charlotte Moore said: “I’m shocked and deeply saddened to hear that Kay Mellor has suddenly passed away. Kay was an outstanding writer and the 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 centre 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. 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 during this difficult time." Brookside and Ackley Bridge actress turned Loose Women panellist Sunetra Sarker wrote: "Devastated to hear of the passing of one of Britain's finest female writers. I admired & respected #KayMellor immensely. I remember how comfortable she made me feel when I worked with her, so clever and witty. From the iconic Band of Gold to present day she truly championed women."
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