Highly respected comedy producer and writer Bill Dare has died. The news was announced by his agents JFL: "We are shocked and deeply saddened to have to announce the death of our brilliant client Bill Dare, who died at the weekend following an accident overseas. Our thoughts are with his sife Lucy, his daughter Rebecca and all of Bill's family and friends who will be devastated by his loss.Bill was a truly legendary producer and writer and his comedy instincts were second to none. He made Dead Ringers into a national institution for the BBC, due to mark its 25th anniversary this year. But Bill's creativity was unbounded – sketch shows, sitcoms, entertainment formats, novels, stage shows – he created them all and brought great pleasure to an untold number of viewers and listeners. He was also a great champion of talent, both writing and performing, and he will be remembered for working with the best of his generation at the same time as creating opportunities for the next. We will greatly miss his intelligence and humour."

Dare was a hugely experienced and well-known figure in the comedy industry. Among the many acclaimed programmes he worked on was the aforementioned Dead Ringers as well as many other successful shows including Spitting Image.

Marcus Brigstocke worked with him on ‘I’ve Never Seen Star Wars’ & ‘The Late Edition’..

Further credits include The Mary Whitehouse Experience and The Now Show.

Tributes have been coming in from colleagues and friends. Comedian Jon holmes wrote on X: "Beyond devastated. He was my friend."

Writer Nev Fountain wrote: "This is awful news. I have worked with Bill all my professional life. He was a colleague and friend. Thoughts to Lucy and his family."

Owen Hawes posted on X: "Rest in peace, @Bill_Dare. Honoured to have been taught Comedy Writing by you at @NFTSFilmTV. I have so much to thank you for."

Cameron Yarde posted: "This is very sad news. Bill Dare worked on two of my all time favourite comedy series, Spitting Image and Dead Ringers. It's cruel that he won't be there to celebrate Dead Ringers' 25th anniversary. Thank you for the laughs Bill."