Corrie and Emmerdale stars lead tributes to 'trailblazer' Kay Mellor following death at 71

Earlier this week tributes came flooding in from the TV world and beyond after it was announced that Kay Mellor had died aged 71. The actress, director and writer of prolific TV shows like The Syndicate, Fat Friends, Band Of Gold and more died on May 15, a spokesperson for her TV production company Rollem Productions said.

BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker was joined by a galaxy of his BBC star pals at his leaving bash held at a "secret" Salford bar. BBC man Dan presented for the channel for the final time on an emotional last show live on Tuesday morning.

Celebrated TV screenwriter, director and actor Kay Mellor had a special gift for capturing the emotional nitty gritty of everyday life. And she certainly lived through enough tough experiences of her own to colour her influential work.The super talented woman responsible for some of the greatest TV dramas to grace our screens, became pregnant at 16 and fought hard to raise a young family while still following her dreams. Kay, who died suddenly on Sunday at the age of 71, is best known as the creator and writer of award-winning series like Band of Gold, Fat Friends, Girlfriends and The Syndicate.

Kay Mellor has died at the age of 71. The Leeds-born scriptwriter passed away on Sunday her production company announced: “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.

Leeds -born writer began her career at Granada Television in the 1980s, penning scripts for Coronation Street and creating Children's medical drama Children's Ward during that time. She also contributed to Channel 4 soap Brookside in 1989. Kay died aged 71 on Tuesday.

Coronation Street, and fellow Corrie and Emmerdale stars shared heartfelt messages following the tragic news of her death, the Manchester Evening News reports. Lisa Riley, who played Rebecca Patterson in Fat Friends and stars as Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale, described Mellor as "the best boss". READ MORE: Kay Mellor, writer of Coronation Street, Fat Friends and The Syndicate, dies aged 71 She said on Twitter after the sad news broke: "DEAREST KAY REST IN PEACE…….

Coronation Street star Kimberly Hart-Simpson fought back the tears as she emotionally opened up about her late dad's final wish. The actress, who has recently returned to the cobbles as Nicky Wheatley, joined the Loose Women ladies on the panel on Tuesday (May 17).

The TV world has paid tribute to Kay Mellor, after the sad news of the screenwriter's death died at age 71. Kay was best known for her Bafta-nominated TV programme, Fat Friends, which stole the hearts of the nation in the early noughties.The drama was set in Kay's hometown, Leeds, and focused on the members of a slimming group. And as well as being a fantastic show in its own right, Fat Friends helped bring another British classic to our screens – Gavin and Stacey.

Michelle Hardwick has lead tributes to famous screenwriter Kay Mellor after her death at the age of 71. Announcing the heartbreaking news of her death, a spokesperson for her TV production company, Rollem Productions, said in a statement: “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.