Kay Mellor, who wrote hit series including ITV’s Girlfriends and The Syndicate, has died aged 71.

Mellor, who was also best known for writing hit TV series Fat Friends and Band of Gold, died on Sunday.

A spokesperson for her TV production company, Rollem Productions, 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.

“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.”