Emmerdale and Coronation Street fans lead tributes as the nation mourns the loss of the iconic actress, director and writer Kay Mellor, who suddenly passed away on Sunday aged 71.
The news of her death was announced yesterday on Tuesday May 17, 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.”
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Kay Mellor was the writer of a number of famous ITV shows like Girlfriends, Band of Gold and The Syndicate, Ms Mellor, who was born in Leeds, also wrote the hit TV series Fat Friends, which aired from 2000-2005.
Her hugely successful career span over decades, she career began in writing plays and in the 1980s she wrote episodes of Coronation Street and the Channel 4 show Brookside. She also created the BAFTA award winning show Children's Ward.
She also wrote BBC One’s women’s football series Playing The Field and in 2010 received an OBE.
The star leaves behind two famous daughters, actress Gaynor Faye and producer Yvonne Francas and four grandchildren, along with a whole host of family, friends, colleagues and fans.
Tributes have been pouring in for the much loved star ever since the news broke yesterday, including many famous faces who worked alongside Kay.
Lisa Riley, who played Rebecca Patterson in Fat Friends in series two to four and stars as Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale, described Mellor as "the best boss". She said on Twitter after the sad news broke: "DEAREST KAY REST IN PEACE……..
"What a massive shock to hear this news, you have been taken far far far to young. You were the best boss to work for, you embraced all that is good about our industry, believing in talent."
Former Emmerdale actor and I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! winner Danny Miller also paid tribute to Mellor, tweeting that 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 during this difficult time."
Shameless, Emmerdale, and Corrie actress Hayley Tamaddon shared on Twitter: "Such sad sad news about the wonderful kay mellor.. She was always so lovely and kind to me.. a truly brilliant lady. My thoughts and love and strength to @MsGfaye and all her family at this difficult time."
X Factor winner and former Corrie star Shayne Ward, wrote: "I’m Absolutely Devastated to hear the passing of this incredible woman Kay Mellor. I had the privilege and blessing to have worked for her in #bandofgold My sympathies & condolences go to @MsGfaye and family at this heartbreaking time. You will be truly missed Kay. Love shayne x"
Actress and singer Kym Marsh said: "I am so so sad to hear of the passing of Kay Mellor. I had the pleasure of working with Kay briefly last year and it was an absolute honour. A huge talent, a huge personality a wonderful lady. She will be missed. Our thoughts are with her family and friends x"
Ruth Jones. who starred in Fat Friend alongside James Corden before the pair went on to create and star in Gavin & Stacey, said: "British television has lost one of its greats” following Mellor's death. The Welsh actress and comedian said in a statement: "I am completely shocked to hear the news of Kay’s untimely death. Her contribution to British television was outstanding and I feel privileged to have worked with her. Such a down-to-earth, funny, big-hearted person whose brilliance lay in seeing the extraordinary in the day to day.
"She was a great mentor to me when I first started writing – and always hugely encouraging of new writers – a real testament to the idea of paying it forward. Her series Fat Friends was a massive turning point in my career and I will be eternally grateful to her for what she did for me. British television has lost one of its greats. Thank you Kay for all that you gave us. I cannot believe you’ve gone."
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