Nightingales writer dies

Brain tumour at 54

The writer of the Nineties cult sitcom Nightingale has died from a brain tumour at the age of 54.

Paul Makin, from Wolverhampton, wrote the surreal and claustrophobic Channel 4 comedy in 1990. It starred Robert Lindsay, James Ellis and David Threlfall as night watchmen, and ran for two series. Makin also worked on an American version, which got as far as a pilot.

His first sitcom, a Kind Of Living, starring Richard Griffiths and Frances de la Tour, ran for three series on ITV in 1988 and 1990, and he also wrote for other shows including Goodnight Sweetheart and Chef.

The Wolverhampton Express and Star reports that he died on Friday from a tumour diagnosed last November.

Published: 11 Jul 2008

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