Entertainment
Two Doors Down creator Simon Carlyle dies
Tributes have been paid to the comedy creator who has died aged 48.
Simon Carlyle’s death was announced earlier today by his manager Amanda Davis. In a statement she said:
“I am immensely sorry to confirm that Simon Carlyle has died at the age of 48, Simon was a wonderful person and a major comedic talent. He was much respected across the industry both for the quality of his writing and for being a kind, funny, supportive and nurturing collaborator. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go to his family, friends and colleagues.”
His most recent success was Two Doors Down, a BBC Scotland produced sitcom co-created and written by Gregor Sharp, that stars Arabella Weir, Kieran Hodgson, Alex Norton, Doon Mackichan and Jonathan Watson. It’s forthcoming seventh series was filmed last month and will air on BBC One later this year. The BAFTA-nominated show launched initially on BBC Two.
Simon’s other work includes creating and writing ITVX comedy Changing Ends which charts the younger days of comedian Alan Carr and writing for series such as Boy Meets Girl and Psychobitches.
Simon Carlyle
Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy Commissioning, BBC:
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of our friend and colleague Simon Carlyle. Simon was a wonderful comedy talent who, amongst many other credits, co-created and wrote the multi award winning series Two Doors Down. His warm comic voice shone through these characters, garnering huge audience affection, and firmly establishing it as a long-lasting sitcom favourite. Our sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Production Team, Two Doors Down:
“We are deeply saddened by this terrible news. Simon was a brilliant, funny, mercurial and magnificent human being. He had a microscopic fascination with what makes funny things funnier and we were so lucky to have known him. He was at the centre of all the work we made together and his loss will be felt profoundly by all of us. We send love and support to his family and friends.”
BAFTA Scotland:
“We are saddened to learn that writer Simon Carlyle has died aged 48. He was a multiple BAFTA Scotland Award nominee for his work on the beloved comedy Two Doors Down, which he co-created with Gregor Sharp. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends.”
Two Doors Down
Comedian and actor Jack Whitehall:
“Simon was such a talented and gracious human being. He was my first ever script editor and I learned so much from him. He was so funny and charming and always such a joy to spend time with.”
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland:
“All of us at BBC Scotland are deeply saddened to hear this news. Simon was a major writing talent, loved for his work on Two Doors Down and many other series. Our thoughts are with Simon’s family and friends, and the cast and crew on Two Doors Down.”
Comedian, chat show host and presenter Alan Carr:
“Absolutely heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of Simon Carlyle. We co-wrote Changing Ends together and what a talent he was! As you’d expect, like his scripts, he was so so funny, witty and clever. The writing room was always full of laughter when he was around. The world of comedy has lost a true talent.”
