Remembering Nigel McCrery: The Creative Mind Behind ‘Silent Witness’ and ‘New Tricks’ Passes Away

TV writer Nigel McCrery has passed away at the age of 71, as confirmed by his agent.

Best known for creating popular shows like Silent Witness and New Tricks, he had revealed last year that he was facing a terminal illness.

His agency, United Agents, shared the news, expressing their sadness over his loss. They noted his remarkable contributions to television and the arts, saying that his ability to captivate audiences will always be remembered.

Before becoming a writer, McCrery served as a police officer with the Nottinghamshire Constabulary. He launched Silent Witness in 1996, featuring the work of a police pathologist. The show recently aired its 28th series, marking nearly three decades of success.

In the 2000s, he co-created the period drama Born And Bred with Chris Chibnall, which was set in the 1950s. He also introduced New Tricks in 2003, a series about a team solving cold cases, featuring a talented cast that included Dennis Waterman and Amanda Redman. The show enjoyed strong ratings for 12 seasons before its cancellation in 2015.

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, expressed her sorrow, highlighting McCrery’s ability to create compelling stories with relatable characters. She noted that the lasting popularity of Silent Witness is a reflection of his extraordinary talent.

In addition to his TV work, McCrery wrote several non-fiction books focused on sports and the World Wars. Some notable titles include The Footballers Who Fought And Died In The Great War and Season in Hell: British Footballers Killed In The Second World War. His book, The Vanished Battalion, was adapted into the 1999 war drama All The King’s Men, featuring Sir David Jason and Dame Maggie Smith.

In a heartfelt interview last October, McCrery discussed his terminal diagnosis, mentioning the initial shock that came with it. He reflected on the unique ways people cope with their mortality, acknowledging the personal journey each individual faces.

Source link

Nigel McCrery,Silent Witness,United Agents,BBC drama series,New Tricks,Lindsay Salt