‘Silent Witness’ Creator Nigel McCrery Has Died at 71
Nigel McCrery, the British screenwriter and former police officer best known for creating the hit TV series Silent Witness and New Tricks, died on February 6, 2025. He was 71 years old. His death followed a terminal illness, though the specific diagnosis was not publicly disclosed.
McCrery began his career in law enforcement before moving into writing and television production. He served with the Nottinghamshire Police and worked on several murder investigations, gaining firsthand experience that later shaped his writing.
In the 1990s, McCrery transitioned into broadcasting and developed Silent Witness, a forensic crime drama that debuted in 1996. The show became one of the longest-running crime series in British television history and earned widespread acclaim for its realistic portrayal of forensic pathology. Silent Witness introduced viewers to Dr. Sam Ryan, played by Amanda Burton, and later featured other lead characters while maintaining its strong procedural format.
Following the success of Silent Witness, McCrery created New Tricks in 2003, a crime drama about retired detectives solving cold cases. The series featured a mix of humor and mystery and ran for 12 years, becoming another major success in his career.
In addition to his work in television, McCrery authored several crime novels and non-fiction books. His writing often drew from real-life cases and his experiences in policing. He also wrote biographies of soldiers and war heroes, showing his interest in history and military service.
McCrery was known for his ability to create compelling characters and storylines grounded in realism. Colleagues described him as thoughtful, disciplined, and passionate about both storytelling and justice.
Tributes from across the British television community have highlighted his contributions to modern crime drama. Viewers and co-creators praised his role in shaping a genre that continues to attract millions.
Nigel McCrery is survived by family, friends, and colleagues who admired his work. A private service is expected to be held.
His legacy lives on through the shows he created and the influence he had on crime storytelling on British television.
