Simon Carlyle, the creator of the hit Scottish comedy Two Doors Down, has been remembered as “a wonderful person and a major comedic talent” following his death at the age of 48.
Tributes have poured in following the announcement of his death, which was confirmed by his manager Amanda Davis.
The Scottish sitcom has starred Arabella Weir, Kieran Hodgson, Alex Norton, Doon Mackichan, Jonathan Watson and was also created and written by Gregor Sharp.
The BAFTA-nominated show has running for six seasons on BBC Two and moving recently to BBC One, where a seventh season is expected later this year.
BBC Studios ProductionsIn a statement, Ms Davis, said he was known for being a “supportive and nurturing collaborator”.
“I am immensely sorry to confirm that Simon Carlyle has died at the age of 48,” Ms Davis said.
“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.”
Set around the residents of Latimer Crescent, Two Doors Down was recommissioned for a seventh series in February.
Two Doors Down superfan Dane Thomson told STV News: “As a huge fan of Two Doors Down, I’m genuinely heartbroken to hear the news about Simon Carlyle. I was lucky enough to meet Simon earlier this year at Comic Con Aberdeen after tweeting him for years as one (of many!) Two Doors Down ‘superfans’.
Dane Thomson“When I met him in person, he was so warm and kind and we had such a laugh. Before I left the event, he gave me the biggest hug. I’ve jokingly said to my friends that ‘Simon’s hugs need to be prescribed on the NHS’. I still mean that. Not only was he a fantastic writer, he was the loveliest person in person. His Cathy and Christine impressions literally ended me that day. RIP Simon. Sleep tight.”
Comedian Jack Whitehall, who first found fame in TV series such as Bad Education and Fresh Meat, shared his condolences following news of Carlyle’s death.
He tweeted: “So sad to wake up to this news. 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.”
Jon Petrie, director of comedy commissioning at the BBC, said: “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.”
Carlyle also wrote for Changing Ends, an ITV comedy series about Alan Carr growing up in the 1980s, and BBC LGBT+ show Boy Meets Girl.
Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: “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.”
The sitcom’s production team also said: “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.”
Two Doors Down is set to move to BBC One for the next six episodes of the new series.
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