James Corden has paid tribute to screenwriter Kay Mellor following her death aged 71, saying "she changed my life".
Leeds-born Mellor, who wrote hit series including ITV's Girlfriends, Band Of Gold and The Syndicate and was also best known for penning hits including Fat Friends which aired from 2000 until 2005 and was turned into a musical, died on Sunday.
Corden, who starred as Jamie Rymer in Fat Friends, paid tribute to Mellor on Instagram, writing: "Kay Mellor sadly passed away today.
"She was the most generous, kind and loving person. An exceptionally gifted writer.
"She changed my life when she cast me in Fat Friends on ITV. She saw something in me that no one had before that point.
"She gave so many people their first chances. I have the fondest memories of being on set with her. She will be missed by so many.
"My thoughts are with her family and friends at this time x"
