Silent witness and new tricks creator Nigel McCrery dies aged 71
TV writer and former police officer Nigel McCrery, best known for creating the long-running forensic drama Silent Witness and the crime series new tricks, has died at the age of 71. His passing was confirmed by his agent, following his public revelation last year of being diagnosed with a terminal illness.
United Agents shared the news of McCrery’s death on social media, stating: “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.”
McCrery, who began his career as a police officer with the Nottinghamshire Constabulary, transitioned into writing and created Silent Witness in 1996. The BBC crime series, which follows a team of forensic pathologists solving complex cases, has continued its success into 2024 with the release of its 28th series.
Beyond Silent Witness, McCrery co-created Born And Bred, a 1950s-set medical drama, alongside Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall. The series aired in the early 2000s and received positive acclaim.
His work on New Tricks, a detective drama about the fictional unsolved crime and open case squad, cemented his reputation in british television. The show, which launched in 2003, featured an ensemble cast including Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman, Alun Armstrong, and James Bolam. It proved a hit with audiences and remained on air for 12 series before its conclusion in 2015.
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McCrery was also a prolific author, penning non-fiction books that explored the impact of war on sportsmen. His works include The Footballers Who Fought And Died In The Great War, Into Touch: Rugby Internationals Killed in the Great War, and Season in Hell: British Footballers Killed In The Second World War. His book The Vanished Battalion was adapted into the 1999 war drama All The King’s Men, starring Sir David Jason and Dame Maggie Smith.
In October 2024, McCrery spoke candidly about his diagnosis on BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live programme. Reflecting on the news of his terminal illness, he admitted: “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.”
His contributions to British television and literature have left an indelible mark, and his storytelling will continue to be cherished by fans and colleagues alike. McCrery’s legacy lives on through his enduring works, ensuring that his influence on the world of crime drama and historical writing will not be forgotten.
