Kay Mellor, who wrote hit TV series including Girlfriends, Band of Gold and The Syndicate, has died aged 71, it has been announced.
Leeds-born Mellor, who was also best known for penning series including Fat Friends, which aired from 2000 until 2005 and was turned into a musical, died on Sunday.
A spokesperson for her TV production company, Rollem Productions, 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."
Kay Mellor began her career writing plays, worked on Coronation Street and created the award-winning children's drama Children's Ward.
She also wrote BBC One's women's football series Playing the Field and in 2010 received an OBE from Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.
The BBC's Chief Content Officer, Charlotte Moore, paid tribute to Kay Mellor following her death.
In a statement, 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."
Tributes have been paid to Mellor on Twitter.
Lisa Riley, who played Rebecca Patterson in Fat Friends in series two to four, described Mellor as "the best boss".
DEAREST KAY🥲🥲🥲🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻REST IN PEACE……..what a massive shock to hear this news, you have been taken far far far to young. You were the best boss to work for, you embraced all that is good about our industry, believing in talent. #rip #kaymellor 🥲🥲🥲 pic.twitter.com/yJDNMSVDfa
— LISA RILEY (@Reallisariley) May 17, 2022
Actor Kenny Doughty, who starred in Mellor's 2003 film Gifted, tweeted: "Absolutely shocked & saddened to hear that Kay Mellor has passed away.
"Such an inspiration & force of nature & wonderful soul. Will miss her dearly. Sending love & prayers to her family."
Absolutely shocked & saddened to hear that Kay Mellor has passed away. Such an inspiration & force of nature & wonderful soul. Will miss her dearly. Sending love & prayers to her family. x
— Kenny Doughty (@kennydoughty) May 17, 2022
Emmerdale actor and I'm a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! winner Danny Miller also paid tribute to Mellor, saying he was "devastated" to hear of her passing.
Devastated to hear of the passing of Dear Kay Mellor. An incredible talent in the TV world and someone who always had a warming smile on offer with open arms. Sending all of my love to Gaynor and the rest of the beautiful family during this difficult time 😢❤️
— Danny Miller (@DannyBMiller) May 17, 2022
Shameless and Emmerdale actress Hayley Tamaddon said Mellor was "always so lovely and kind to me" and a "truly brilliant lady".
Such sad sad news about the wonderful kay mellor.. She was always so lovely and kind to me.. a truly brilliant lady.
— hayley tamaddon (@hayleysoraya) May 17, 2022
My thoughts and love and strength to @MsGfaye and all her family at this difficult time. ❤️
Source: Press Association
