Corrie and Emmerdale stars lead tributes to 'trailblazer' Kay Mellor following death at 71

Earlier this week tributes came flooding in from the TV world and beyond after it was announced that Kay Mellor had died aged 71. The actress, director and writer of prolific TV shows like The Syndicate, Fat Friends, Band Of Gold and more died on May 15, a spokesperson for her TV production company Rollem Productions said.

Emmerdale's Mimi Slinger sent fans wild on Friday as she shared a collection of snaps of her glamorous makeover for the UK Premiere of Top Gun: Maverick in London on Thursday. Taking to Instagram to post a collection of photos from the red carpet, the actress, 19, who played Leanna Cavanagh, looked radiant in a gorgeous off-the-shoulder corset dress. Mimi styled her blonde locks into a sleek blow-dried hairdo, she added a slick of glamorous make-up and striking gold hooped earrings to her look.

BBC Breakfast star Naga Munchetty has finally addressed her co-star Dan Walker leaving the morning programme. After a star-studded "leaving do" on Wednesday, Dan took to Instagram to share some adorable snaps from his last evening with the broadcasting giant.Following an emotional last appearance from Dan, co-hosts Sally Nugent, Naga Munchetty and sports presenter Mike Bushell joined their pal at a secret location in Salford.In one image, Dan treated fans to a sweet and happy snap of himself arm-in-arm with Naga as they both smiled away for the selfie while looking glam.Dan wore a black button-down shirt and his co-star matched him wearing a scoop neck and sleeveless top.Sharing a whole compilation of pics from his last evening with colleagues, the new Channel 5 star penned: "What a wonderful evening with friends and family at my leaving do tonight."So many surprises and just so much fun being together with so many gorgeous humans."Thanks to everyone who came.

Naga Munchetty, 47, looked amazing on BBC Breakfast today as she sported a tight-fitted dark blue jumpsuit, however, this did not stop her slipping up on this morning's show.The presenter announced the time four hours ahead, causing many fans to be very puzzled. this morning.The presenter announced the time on the show as they came back from a short clip.She said: "It is in fact 11 minutes past 11."However, the time in fact was only 8.11am, causing many viewers an element of stress this Thursday morning.Many social media users took to Twitter to call out the presenter for her awkward blunder, leaving Naga to apologise.Penticost_kathy said, along with a clip of the on-air mistake: "@TVNaga01 you read the time wrong I had to double take at the time."SKingdonWard added: "@BBCBreakfast @TVNaga01 Did I just hear Naga saying it was 11 minutes past 11, or have I not woken up properly yet?!"Jonesy68 commented: "@TVNaga01 11 minutes past 11 Naga! Its only 8 o clock!" (sic)RodVeganPower then joked: "@TVNaga01 11 minutes past 11? Late night Naga?"Naga replied to all in view of her 270,700 followers: "Sorry!"The presenter is not the only BBC Breakfast show host to slip up in the last week.Former presenter Dan Walker "forgot" to set his alarm on his last week on the programme.Along with a picture of him and Sally Nugent, as well as a close-up of his footwear choice and purple socks, Dan told his followers what had happened.In view of his 755,800 Twitter followers, he penned: "My last ever Wednesday on #BBCBreakfast and guess what? I forgot to set my alarms for the first time in 6 years."Thankfully the body clock kicked in and I wasn’t too late.

BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker was joined by a galaxy of his BBC star pals at his leaving bash held at a "secret" Salford bar. BBC man Dan presented for the channel for the final time on an emotional last show live on Tuesday morning.

Dan Walker appears to have revealed which star he'd like to replace him on BBC Breakfast - following his exit from the flagship news programme.The presenter has just quit the BBC for Channel 5 after 13 years with the broadcaster and six years on BBC Breakfast..He bid farewell to his BBC Breakfast team when he hosted his final episode on Tuesday (May 17) - an action-packed affair which saw his former co-host Louise Minchin surprise him in the studio.But it's left many fans wondering which star will take his place on the famous red sofa.Dan took to Twitter on Wednesday to address his temporary replacement on the daily BBC show - Jon Kay - who has stepped in to anchor the show for a "few weeks" alongside Dan's old co-host Sally Nugent.He retweeted a post from Sally before sharing his thoughts on Jon, who is a BBC News correspondent who often presents on Breakfast these days.Sally shared a selfie of her and Jon smiling on the sofa with the caption: "Morning everyone @BBCBreakfast @jonkay01" alongside a smiling-emoji.It came as Jon stood in as host on Wednesday's broadcast - the first day after Dan's special farewell episode.Dan reacted to the tweet in front of his 758,8000 viewers, where he seemed to hint he'd like Jon to be his successor.He wrote: "The future right there [fingers crossed emoji] [trophy emoji]."Dan's fans and friends flocked to the comments to share their views on Jon, and it appeared many were keen to see Jon instilled as Dan's permanent replacement.Mike Sullivan said: "I love @jonkay01. Great choice if he’s picked to be your successor."He then quipped: "Although, have the BBC allowed you to do what Man Utd allowed Fergie to do & pick who takes over??”One wrote: "It would be very well deserved.

NEWS anchor Dan Walker waved goodbye to the BBC as he hosted his last breakfast show earlier this week. The much-loved star had a huge bash to celebrate leaving the broadcaster ahead of his move over to Channel 5.

Celebrated TV screenwriter, director and actor Kay Mellor had a special gift for capturing the emotional nitty gritty of everyday life. And she certainly lived through enough tough experiences of her own to colour her influential work.The super talented woman responsible for some of the greatest TV dramas to grace our screens, became pregnant at 16 and fought hard to raise a young family while still following her dreams. Kay, who died suddenly on Sunday at the age of 71, is best known as the creator and writer of award-winning series like Band of Gold, Fat Friends, Girlfriends and The Syndicate.

BBC Breakfast star Jon Kay joked he'd matched with his co-star Sally Nugent on a dating app like Tinder after Dan Walker left the channel.The presenter stepped in to replace his colleague Dan on Wednesday (May 18), which meant it was him hosting Breakfast with Sally.It comes as Walker has left the BBC after 13 years for a lead anchor job at rival broadcaster Channel 5.Dan bid farewell to the BBC when he hosted Breakfast for the last time on Tuesday (May 17), but it meant there was a spot left open on the famous red sofa next to Sally.There has been tons of speculation as to who the BBC will confirm as Dan's replacement, with names such as Jon, Victoria Derbyshire and Carl Kirkwood being tossed into the ring.Jon and Sally gave an update on Dan's replacement during Wednesday's show, where they confirmed Jon would be presenting the programme for a "few weeks".Jon said he heard Sally needed company on the sofa and that he'd got a text inviting him to come on the show.He then quipped he got the gig by having "swiped right" on Sally on Tinder and matching with the presenter on the dating app.Sally welcomed Jon as she reflected on Dan's last day as she admitted "we had a big day yesterday".She said: "We said goodbye to Dan Walker, who's off to pastures new, but we now have Jon Kay who's here to keep me company for a little while, I hope."Jon said: "A few weeks, certainly. I heard you needed company," to which Sally agreed: "I definitely like company.

Dan Walker on BBC Breakfast after he left the BBC.Dan Walker bid farewell to the BBC on Tuesday (May 17) this week when he hosted his final show on BBC Breakfast, alongside his co-host Sally Nugent.His emotional last day saw Dan flooded with sweet tributes from his BBC colleagues, and at one point he was even surprised by his former co-host Louise Minchin who greeted him in the studio.However, it was Dan's co-star Jon Kay who became the first star to step in to host Breakfast alongside Sally on Wednesday (May 18), the first day after Dan's official exit.Jon was certainly dressed for the occasion as he was suited and booted in a suave navy jacket and trouser combo with a red tie to top it off.Sally looked equally smart beside him on the sofa as she wore a stylish green dress for the cameras.The pair confirmed Jon will be presenting the show for "a few weeks" as Jon quipped that he'd heard Sally needed company.Kay is now a regular face on BBC Breakfast who has already filled in to host for Dan on several occasions, so he's no stranger to the red sofa.It comes after Dan quit the BBC on Tuesday after 13 years with the broadcaster, six of which were spent hosting Breakfast.His departure came just months after his good pal Louise left the show in September.His co-star Sally had already warned him a "few surprises" were waiting for him on his final day hosting the programme.She certainly delivered, because streams of Dan's BBC friends threw him a party in the studio during the broadcast, with a fitting lobster theme in a cheeky nod to his Strictly Come Dancing stint.Louise Minchin also returned to the studio to reunite with Dan in a touching on-screen moment which saw the pair embrace.She said of Dan: "It is very emotional to

Kay Mellor has died at the age of 71. The Leeds-born scriptwriter passed away on Sunday her production company announced: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely and sudden passing of our beloved friend, mentor and colleague Kay Mellor on Sunday 15th May 2022.

Dan Walker was left scratching his head after Piers Morgan seemed to have one last light-hearted dig as he stepped down from BBC Breakfast. The broadcasters had a friendly rivalry for a long time, trading barbs about the ratings when Dan was on the BBC programme and Piers was hosting Good Morning Britain over on ITV. Dan is now leaving BBC Breakfast and is taking up a new role on Channel 5 – and Piers tweeted a message of congratulations with a twist.Sharing a snap of Dan, he teased: "End of an error.

Leeds -born writer began her career at Granada Television in the 1980s, penning scripts for Coronation Street and creating Children's medical drama Children's Ward during that time. She also contributed to Channel 4 soap Brookside in 1989. Kay died aged 71 on Tuesday.

Coronation Street, and fellow Corrie and Emmerdale stars shared heartfelt messages following the tragic news of her death, the Manchester Evening News reports. Lisa Riley, who played Rebecca Patterson in Fat Friends and stars as Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale, described Mellor as "the best boss". READ MORE: Kay Mellor, writer of Coronation Street, Fat Friends and The Syndicate, dies aged 71 She said on Twitter after the sad news broke: "DEAREST KAY REST IN PEACE…….

Coronation Street star Kimberly Hart-Simpson fought back the tears as she emotionally opened up about her late dad's final wish. The actress, who has recently returned to the cobbles as Nicky Wheatley, joined the Loose Women ladies on the panel on Tuesday (May 17).

A post shared by James Corden (@j_corden)Fans of the TV star rushed to the post’s comments section to send their condolences as they paid tribute to the legendary writer.Bananamanor said: "So sorry for your loss.Thankful to her for her great eye.”Ellynharrismusic penned: “I’m so sorry for your loss, James.She sounds like she was a very special person to you.“There's nothing like the first person that believes in you.

Naga Munchetty has comforted Sally Wainwright following the death of screen writer Kay Mellor.The BBC Radio 5 Live host, 47, comforted the Last Tango in Halifax writer earlier today after she appeared on the radio show to pay tribute to her friend and mentor following her death aged 71.Naga said to Sally: "I mean obviously you're paying tribute to her but I mean she did an interview and this is what she said about you."The BBC host read: "'She was talented and raw, she didn't care, you know."'She would write what she wanted, that's what I love that kind of boldness and funny to get"'It reminded me of how I was and how I wanted to be,'" Naga finished reading, before adding: "Now there's an accolade, there's a compliment."Sally replied: "Well, one of the things I remember Kay telling me when I started working at Grenada was, 'Be bold.'"And that stayed with me all my life, she was very - I'm sorry," she added, before starting to break down and cry.Stepping in to reassure the screenwriter, Naga said: "Sally, it's absolutely fine."When you talk about someone like Kay Mellor who has shaped your environment and shaped your career and it's more than just shaping your talent, it's about shaping your confidence."And giving you the strength to break into a space that is so tough," she added.Earlier today, a spokesperson for Kay's TV production company, Rollem Productions, confirmed the sad news of her death.The statement said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely and sudden passing of our beloved friend, mentor and colleague Kay Mellor on Sunday 15th May 2022.“We have lost a phenomenal talent and a true luminary."We ask that you please respect the privacy of the family and friends at this time," it ended.Kay

The TV world has paid tribute to Kay Mellor, after the sad news of the screenwriter's death died at age 71. Kay was best known for her Bafta-nominated TV programme, Fat Friends, which stole the hearts of the nation in the early noughties.The drama was set in Kay's hometown, Leeds, and focused on the members of a slimming group. And as well as being a fantastic show in its own right, Fat Friends helped bring another British classic to our screens – Gavin and Stacey.

Michelle Hardwick has lead tributes to famous screenwriter Kay Mellor after her death at the age of 71. Announcing the heartbreaking news of her death, a spokesperson for her TV production company, Rollem Productions, said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely and sudden passing of our beloved friend, mentor and colleague Kay Mellor on Sunday 15th May 2022. “We have lost a phenomenal talent and a true luminary.

RUTH Jones and Lenny Henry have led tributes to actor and screenwriter Kay Mellor after her sudden death at the age of 71. Ruth, who played Kelly Chadwick in Leeds-born Kay's show Fat Friends, said she was "completely shocked" in a moving statement.

Kay Mellor, the writer of British dramas such as The Syndicate and Band of Gold, has passed away aged 71.