James Corden has thanked Kay Mellor for "changing [his] life".
James Corden has thanked late TV drama creator Kay Mellor
The 43-year-old star has paid tribute to the late TV drama creator, after she passed away on Sunday (15.05.22) aged 71, admitting he is grateful to her for taking a chance on him when she cast James in Noughties drama 'Fat Friends'.
James - who portrayed Jamie Rymer in the show, about the lives of attendees of a Leeds slimming club - wrote on Instagram: "Kay Mellor sadly passed away today.
"She was the most generous, kind and loving person. An exceptionally gifted writer. She changed my life when she cast me in Fat Friends on ITV. She saw something in me that no one had before that point. (sic)"
James has the "fondest memories" of being on the set of the show, which also featured his 'Gavin and Stacey' co-stars Ruth Jones and Alison Steadman, as well as Kay's daughter, Gaynor Faye.
He added: "She gave so many people their first chances. I have the fondest memories of being on set with her. She will be missed by so many. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this time x (sic)"
A spokesman for Kay's TV production company, Rollem Productions, confirmed her passing earlier this week.
They 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 15 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."
Several other stars have also paid tribute to Kay, including James' 'Fat Friends' co-star Lisa Riley.
She wrote on Instagram: "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. #rip #kaymellor (sic)"
Kay was also known for being behind TV dramas such as 'Band of Gold', 'Playing the Field', and 'The Syndicate', in which Lenny Henry portrayed Godfrey Watson in 2015's third series.
He wrote on Twitter: "I was saddened to hear that Kay Mellor has died. I was lucky to work with her on the Syndicate and found her to be incredibly creative , funny and instinctive. She knew what she wanted and knew how to get the best from us as actors. She will be missed. Condolences to her family. (sic)"
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