Writer, director Kay Mellor behind Band of Gold, Fat Friends dies aged 71

Kay Mellor, the writer and director behind successful British dramas, has died suddenly at the age of 71.

Kay Mellor

Rollem Productions, Mellor’s UK indie, 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 May 15.

“We have lost a phenomenal talent & a true luminary. We ask that you please respect the privacy of the family and friends.”

Mellor began as a playwright and worked on scripts for long-running UK soap Coronation Street. She created children’s drama Children’s Ward and Band of Gold, the groundbreaking gritty ITV drama about sex workers in Bradford.

The Leeds-born actor, writer and director often set her dramas and characters in her home county of Yorkshire, including BBC One women’s football drama Playing the Field.

She gave big breaks to young acting talent including James Corden and Sheridan Smith in the 2000-2005 ITV drama series Fat Friends.

More recently she produced The Syndicate and Love, Lies & Records for the BBC.

The UK pubcaster’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.”