Lenny Henry has led tributes to Kay Mellor, following her death aged 71.
Lenny Henry has led tributes to Kay Mellor following her death
The TV drama creator - the mother of former 'Coronation Street' and 'Emmerdale' actress Gaynor Faye - was the brains behind the likes of 'Band of Gold', 'Fat Friends', 'Playing the Field', and 'The Syndicate', among many other shows.
She sadly passed away on Sunday (15.05.22), and tributes have poured in following her death.
Lenny - who portrayed Godfrey Watson in series three of 'The Syndicate' in 2015 - 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)"
A tweet from the official BAFTA account read: "We're saddened to hear that Kay Mellor, the hugely influential BAFTA-winning writer, actor and director whose hit TV series include Fat Friends, Band of Gold and Playing the Field, has died. Our thoughts are with her family and friends."
Lisa Riley - who appeared in 'Fat Friends', which helped launch the career of James Corden - admitted Kay was the "best boss to work for".
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)"
Former 'Coronation Street' star Kym Marsh - who starred in 'The Syndicate' last year - wrote: "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 (sic)"
Several 'Emmerdale' stars sent their well wishes to their former co-star Gaynor, and her sister Yvonne Francas, following the death of their mother.
Michelle Hardwick posted: "So so very sad to read the news about the incredible Kay Mellor. She produced some of the best dramas of our time. Was so lucky to meet her on many occasions. My thoughts and prayers go out to all her family
@MsGfaye @yvonnejfm (sic)"
Danny Miller wrote: "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 (sic)"
Several 'Coronation Street' stars also paid tribute to Kay and sent well wishes to her family.
Melanie Hill posted: "Totally devastated to hear that the beautiful talented #KayMellor has passed away - sending love to @MsGfaye and @yvonnejfm and all her family .can’t take this in (sic)"
Antony Cotton tweeted: "I’m totally shocked to hear that Kay Mellor has died. I can’t imagine how her family feel. Devastating. She was a real trailblazer for women in this industry. Rest In Power, Kay x (sic)"
Ex-'Corrie' star Shayne Ward - who appeared in the 'Band of Gold' stage show - was "absolutely devastated" to hear of Kay's passing.
He 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 (sic)"
Former cobbles and Dales star Hayley Tamaddon tweeted: "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. (sic)"
'Corrie' writer Jonathan Harvey wrote: "Such sad news about Kay Mellor. A pioneer in television writing. I had the privilege of working with her a few times over the years. She taught me so much. She was funny, kind,so so bright, and always with a clarity of vision. All love to Gaynor, Yvonne and all the family xxx (sic)"
A spokesman for Kay's 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 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."
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