Nigel McCrery, the creator of hit BBC dramas Silent Witness and New Tricks, has died aged 71, his agent confirmed today.
The screenwriter and novelist passed away following a terminal illness diagnosis in October 2024.
McCrery was the creative force behind Silent Witness, one of the BBC's longest-running dramas, which recently aired its 28th series.
He also created New Tricks, the popular series about retired detectives solving cold cases, which ran for 12 series over more than a decade.
Before joining the BBC, McCrery served as a police officer with the murder squad in Nottingham.
He made the transition to television after joining the BBC through their graduate entry scheme in 1990, quickly moving into the drama department.
Nigel McCrery had died at the age of 71
MCCRERY FAMILY
His policing background influenced his first television creation, Backup, a drama about a police operational support unit which aired from 1995 to 1997.
Silent Witness, which McCrery created in 1996, follows forensic pathologists and scientists investigating crimes.
The series initially starred Amanda Burton before Emilia Fox took over the lead role, becoming one of the BBC's most enduring dramas.
In 2005, McCrery launched New Tricks, which featured Dennis Waterman among its cast.
Emilia Fox returned for another series of Silent Witness earlier this month
BBC
The show focused on three retired police officers who were brought back to help solve cold cases.
Alongside his television work, McCrery was also a prolific writer, producing several novels and non-fiction books.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live programme in November 2024, McCrery discussed his terminal diagnosis.
"I mean people deal with their deaths in different ways," he said. "But I think for a little while you do go into shock - or I did, and I was in a bit of a state."
He spoke movingly about his concerns for the future, saying: "It's not that I'm scared of dying, I'm actually not. I have wonderful granddaughters, and it's missing them growing up. It's the things I'll be missing by not being around that I'll find the hardest to cope with."
The diagnosis remained "in the back of his mind all the time," he added.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
@EmiliaFox @MrDavidCaves Just found out that the Nigel McCrery the creator of Silent Witness has passed. He was unbelievably supportive, generous & kind to me when my novel was published & to my amazement gave a wonderful quote for the cover. A one of a kind. RIP #silentwitness pic.twitter.com/lB0mDC3kRO
— Russ Kane (@RussellKane) February 9, 2025
His agent paid tribute, telling BBC News: "It's with a heavy heart that we share the news of screenwriter, author and producer Nigel McCrery's passing."
"As the creative mind behind such hits as the much loved long running BBC drama series Silent Witness and New Tricks, Nigel captivated and inspired audiences for years with his work," the agent added.
"His numerous contributions to the arts will always be remembered. Nigel had an incredible career and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this time."
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