Tributes have flooded in for Fat Friends and The Syndicate writer Kay Mellor, after her death was announced on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for her TV production company, Rollem Productions, confirmed Mellor died on Sunday night.
The statement 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.
Tributes have already been paid by Lisa Riley and the BBC’s chief content officer Charlotte Moore.
Emmerdale star Riley, who starred in Fat Friends, wrote: ‘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.’
Fat Friends, also starred Ruth Jones and James Corden, and aired from 2000 until 2005 – before later being turned into a musical.
Leeds-born Mellor – whose daughter is actress Gaynor Faye – was praised by Moore for writing with ‘such heart, humanity and humour.’
She said in a statement: ‘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 went on to add: ‘She will be missed and our thoughts are with her friends and family at this difficult time.’
West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin shared her sadness after the death of the Leeds-born screenwriter on Twitter.
She said: ‘Just dreadful news & difficult to take in. Sending all our love from everyone in #westyorkshire to Kay’s family, friends & colleagues.
‘Our voice of the North, she put working class characters at the centre of her brilliant compassionate, moving & funny stories. Such a loss.’
Doctor Who screenwriter Russell T Davies penned a heartfelt response to the sad news, thanking her for teaching him ‘so much.’
He wrote: ‘Kay Mellor has died. Creator of Band of Gold, Fat Friends, Children’s Ward, The Syndicate, and so much more. I adored her. She taught me so much. And she was hilarious! I was invited on her This Is Your Life, she walked through the double doors, saw me and said, “‘What are you doing here?’ 
‘She mentored so many. She had an unshakeable belief in story, story, story, I think of her always when I’m writing.’
Davies went on to praise the musical of Fat Friends, as he recalled going to watch a sold out showing last year.
He concluded: ‘What a talent. What a power. What a joy. Christ, she was funny. I love you Kay.’
Sir Lenny Henry, who starred in Mellor’s hit BBC TV series The Syndicate, based on a group of lotto winners, tweeted: ‘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.’
Other soap stars including Emmerdale’s Michelle Hardwick and Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton have paid their respects to the late talent.
‘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,’ Hardwick wrote on Twitter.
‘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,’ Cotton added.
Casualty and Ackley Bridge star Sunetra Sarker commented: ‘Devastated to hear of the passing of one of Britains 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.’
Credit: Original article published here.You can read this post on My Celebrity Life.