Emilia Fox has broken her silence following the death of Nigel McCrery. He was the creator of TV crime dramas Silent Witness and New Tricks.
Nigel’s agent announced his death to BBC News yesterday (February 10). The screenwriter and novelist was diagnosed with a terminal illness in October 2024. He didn’t disclose the nature of his illness, but admitted that it had come as a “shock”. He was 71 when he died.
Now Emilia, who plays Dr Nikki Alexander in the long-running BBC crime drama, has shared an emotional statement.
Death of Nigel McCrery announced
His agent told BBC News: “It’s with a heavy heart that we share the news of screenwriter, author and producer Nigel McCrery’s passing.
“As the creative mind behind such hits as the much loved long running BBC drama series Silent Witness and New Tricks, Nigel captivated and inspired audiences for years with his work.
“His numerous contributions to the arts will always be remembered. Nigel had an incredible career and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
‘Deeply saddened’
Director of BBC Drama, Lindsay Salt, was quick to pay tribute. She said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Nigel McCrery’s death. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
“Nigel was behind some of UK television’s most loved dramas, and his skill for creating brilliant stories with beautifully drawn characters shone for all to see. The enduring success of Silent Witness, still entertaining millions of viewers after almost 30 years, is a testament to his incredible talent and he will be sorely missed.”
RIP Nigel McCrery, your legacy lives on through your work.
Tribute from Silent Witness lead Emilia Fox
Emilia Fox also shared her sadness. Posting to social media she shared: “I am so sorry to hear the terribly sad news about the passing of Nigel McCrery.
“In creating Silent Witness he brought something special to so many audiences around the world, and to those of us lucky enough to work on the show. Its success and longevity are a testament to Nigel and his brilliant idea in the first place – and of course many other shows too.
“I was hugely fond of him personally. He was always kind and warm and spoke devotedly of his own family as an extremely proud parent and grandparent. I am grateful that he remained connected to the show ongoingly and always wanted to know what plans there were for it.
“His great friend the forensic pathologist Helen Whitwell, who inspired the Sam Ryan character played by Amanda Burton, also sadly passed away recently. They will both live on through Silent Witness and we will do our best to make them proud.”
‘It came as quite a shock’
Back in November, Nigel spoke about his terminal diagnosis, thought to have come a month previously.
“It comes as quite a shock,” he told BBC News at the time.
“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 while you do go into shock – or I did, and I was in a bit of a state.”
Read more: Why Silent Witness star Liz Carr really left the BBC series
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