Nigel McCrery: Creator of Silent Witness and New Tricks dies | Ents & Arts News

The creator of TV crime dramas Silent Witness and New Tricks, Nigel McCrery, has died aged 71.

He had been diagnosed with a terminal illness in October 2024.

The screenwriter’s agent posted a photo on social media on Monday, paying tribute and confirming his death.

United Agents wrote: “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.

“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.”

Reacting to his death, actress Emilia Fox said that Silent Witness’s “success and longevity” was “testament” to its creator, who she described as “kind and warm”.

Fox, who plays forensic pathologist Dr Nikki Alexander in the BBC TV series, wrote on Instagram: “I am so sorry to hear the terribly sad news about the passing of Nigel McCrery.

“In creating Silent Witness he brought something special to so many audiences around the world, and to those of us lucky enough to work on the show. Its success and longevity are testament to Nigel and his brilliant idea in the first place – and of course many other shows too.

“I was hugely fond of him personally. He was always kind and warm and spoke devotedly of his own family as an extremely proud parent and grandparent.”

She went on: “I am grateful that he remained connected to the show ongoingly and always wanted to know what plans there were for it.”

Fox said forensic pathologist Helen Whitwell, who was the woman who had inspired the Sam Ryan character played by Amanda Burton in the TV series, had also passed away recently, adding, “we will do our best to make them proud”.

McCrery’s daughter, Rebecca commented on Fox’s tribute, writing: “Thank you for your kind words Emilia. My Dad always spoke fondly of you.”

Running for 28 series and still ongoing, Silent Witness follows a team of forensic pathologists investigating crimes. It is one of the BBC’s longest-running dramas.

New Tricks, about a group of retired detectives helping police solve cold cases, aired for over a decade, across 12 series.

McCrery began his career working as a police officer with the Nottinghamshire Constabulary murder squad, where he developed an interest in forensic science.

He left the force after a decade to study at Cambridge University, after which he began working for the BBC, eventually ending up in the drama department.

It was there he wrote his first TV series, police procedural Backup, in 1995, which ran for two years.

Silent Witness followed, airing in 1996, initially starring Amanda Burton as the lead detective, before Emilia Fox’s character took the reins in the eighth series.

A 29th series is expected to follow the one which aired at the start of this year. The drama is also broadcast around the world.

New Tricks, which starred Dennis Waterman across all 12 series, premiered in 2003, with its final episode showing in 2015.

McCrery also penned All The King’s Men – a First World War drama starring Sir David Jason, medical drama Born And Bred, and Impact, about a group of air accident investigators, all of which aired on the BBC.

He also wrote several novels, a play and numerous military history books.