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Kay Mellor has sadly died aged 71, her TV company has confirmed.
The TV writer, who was best known for penning shows such as Fat Friends which aired from 2000 until 2005, died on Sunday (May 15).
The actress and director also wrote a number of famous shows, including ITV's Girlfriends, The Syndicate and Band of Gold.
A spokesperson for Rollem Productions, her TV production company, 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."
Mellor started her writing career at Granada Television in the 1980s, where she wrote for ITV's hit soap Coronation Street.
The showbiz star soon spawned the award-winning ITV children's drama Children's Ward alongside her Coronation Street colleague Paul Abbot, which first aired in 1995 and later won a BAFTA.
The BBC’s chief content officer, Charlotte Moore, paid an emotional tribute to Kay Mellor in a statement following her death.
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."
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