Nigel McCrery, the beloved creator of the acclaimed BBC dramas Silent Witness and New Tricks, has passed away at the age of 71. His agent, confirming the news, stated it was shared "with a heavy heart," following McCrery's recent battle with terminal illness, which was revealed to the public just months ago.
McCrery's illustrious career was shaped by his unique background as a former police officer, which deeply influenced his writing. He joined the Nottinghamshire Constabulary, where he served on the murder squad before transitioning to television. This experience laid the groundwork for his successful writing endeavors at the BBC, where he began his career as part of their graduate entry scheme in 1990.
The public may know him best for Silent Witness, which first aired in 1996 and has since become one of the BBC's longest-running crime dramas, featuring the gritty storylines of forensic pathologists as they solve complex cases. The emotional weight of the series is often attributed to McCrery’s ability to intertwine real-life experiences from his policing days with compelling narratives.
McCrery was diagnosed with his terminal illness in October 2024, and he candidly shared his feelings about the diagnosis during interviews. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live, he expressed the shock of his situation and how it impacted him emotionally: "I mean people deal with their deaths in different ways, and I think it’s all very, very individual to each of us. But I think for a little, you do go intoshock - or I did, and I was in a bit of a state." His reflections conveyed not fear of death, but the sadness of missing precious moments with his family, particularly his granddaughters. "It’s not I'm scared of dying... it’s the things I’ll be missing by not being around...,” he remarked, highlighting the personal toll of his diagnosis.
Beyond Silent Witness, McCrery created New Tricks in 2005, which followed retired police officers solving cold cases. The show enjoyed great success and lasting popularity, running for 12 series over the span of a decade, starring notable actors like Dennis Waterman. His expansive contributions to the television industry included other drama series, such as Backup, and various written works, including novels and non-fiction books, on topics ranging from sport to history.
Tributes have poured in for the writer after the announcement of his passing, celebrating both his artistic contributions and the impact he made on colleagues and fans alike. Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, expressed her deep sadness, reflecting on McCrery’s role: "The enduring success of Silent Witness, still entertaining millions of viewers after almost 30 years, is a testimony to his incredible talent... He will be sorely missed." This sentiment was echoed by fans on social media, with one user stating, "His work will be deeply missed by many fans of the show. RIP Nigel McCrery, your legacy lives on through your work." Another tribute noted his kindness and support to writers, emphasizing how much he will be missed personally and professionally.
McCrery's legacy within the world of British television will undoubtedly continue to resonate through the lives he touched and the characters he brought to life. His ability to merge criminal investigation with human stories left audiences captivated and led to a significant impact on how police procedural dramas are viewed today. His final appearance on screens with the 28th series of Silent Witness serves as both a tribute and celebration of his remarkable career.
His passing marks the end of an era for many who grew up watching his shows. Nigel McCrery may be gone, but his stories, characters, and contributions to the arts will forever remain part of our cultural fabric.