Clients included John Cleese, Dawn French and

Tributes have been paid to leading comedy publicist Neil Reading following his death at 56.

The PR guru represented stars including John Cleese, Dawn French, Ben Elton, John Bishop, Sir Lenny Henry, Jason Manford and the late Victoria Wood.

He also worked on a string of hit West End shows, including the Only Fools And Horses musical and the stage version of Fawlty Towers.

Cleese said: ‘ I just heard of the death of my old friend, Neil Reading We met professionally, when I asked him to help me deal with the nastinesss of English newspapers. But we soon because very close. 

‘He was a very kind, protective, sensible and caring man, who looked after his clients with great skill And he gave me one priceless gift. He taught me how not to be frightened of the English press. I shall miss him very much.’

French added: ‘Neil Reading was a one-off, such a kind, decent, intelligent man, a proper gentleman in the old-fashioned way, quietly magnificent.

'Our work relationship became a very real and trusting friendship. He has been my ally and fierce protector through so much and for so long. I don’t quite know how I’ll manage without him. Sleep tight darlin’ heart.’

Manford added: ‘Describing Neil as my PR manager does not come close to describing what he meant to me. He was a trusted friend of almost 20 years, a confidant and one of the most loyal, noble and brilliant men I have ever known.’

Bishop said: ‘Neil was a true gentleman. He was too humble to realise how much he meant to people and I know he will be greatly missed.’

And from the other side of the PR equation, Piers Morgan called Reading’s death ‘incredibly sad news,’ adding: ‘Neil was a a brilliant PR man, one of the very best in the business who really cared about his clients.  He was also fantastic fun, I had so many great times with him over the years. My deepest condolences to all his family.’

Neil Wallis, former editor of The People newspaper, added: ‘Piers speaks truth - Neil Reading was a brilliant & superb PR, but most of all a brilliant, true, loyal, brave & wonderful friend. So so sad. I’m bereft, as will be anyone who had the joy of knowing him & being his friend. My heart goes out to his lovely wife & beloved daughter.’

And former Sun editor David Yelland added: ‘Saddened to hear that Neil Reading has died, shockingly young, much love to his wife and daughter - he was so much more than a "PR guru" he cared so much about his clients and was decent and honest, a gentleman and a friend.’

Reading, who died after a short illness, launched his agency in 1992, specialising in entertainment, consumer and lifestyle PR.

He is survived by his wife Claire and daughter Rosa.

Published: 30 Jul 2026