Legendary comedy producer and writer Bill Dare has died following an accident abroad over the weekend, his agent has confirmed.
The television and radio star, who produced eight seasons of the iconic satirical puppet show Spitting Image, passed away suddenly.
Dare was also the creator of the popular comedy impressions show Dead Ringers, which aired on BBC Radio 4.
His death was announced on Monday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues in the broadcasting industry.
Bill Dare has died following an accident abroad
YouTube/British Comedy Guide
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The son of late playwright and actor Peter Jones, Dare was known for his sharp wit and exceptional comedy instincts.
In a statement released on Monday, Mr Dare’s agent JFL Agency said: “We are shocked and greatly 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 wife Lucy, daughter Rebecca, and with all of Bill’s family and friends who will be devastated by his loss.”
The statement added: “Bill was a truly legendary producer and writer, and his comedy instincts were second to none.”
Bill Dare produced satire puppet show Spitting Image
YouTube/Spitting Image
No further details about the nature of the accident have been disclosed.
BBC colleagues have paid heartfelt tributes to the late comedy producer.
Julia McKenzie, comedy commissioner for Radio 4, said: “Bill has been a huge part of Radio 4 comedy for decades, as a writer and producer, and listeners will have heard his legendary name at the end of many of their favourite shows.”
She described him as “a comedy obsessive” who was “funny and very dry in person, amusingly cynical when he needed to be”.
Richard Morris, creative director of comedy and entertainment at BBC Studios Audio, added: “Bill was a legendary figure in the comedy world and we, his friends and colleagues in radio will miss him hugely.”
“We’ll miss the sharp wit and wisdom he brought to every production he worked on.”
Dare worked on a wide range of comedy shows throughout his career, including The Mary Whitehouse Experience and The Now Show.
His extensive portfolio also included The Late Edition, I’ve Never Seen Star Wars, The Secret World, and Brian Gulliver’s Travels.
He starred in his own Radio 4 sketch show, Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue, which ran for five successful seasons.
The Now Show, a satirical take on current events which Dare produced, was a Radio 4 staple from 1998 until 2024.
His work spanned decades and helped shape British comedy across both television and radio.
Later in his career, Dare ventured into music, writing his first song at the age of 58.
He went on to release his debut single when he was 61 years old.
His work across different creative fields earned him widespread recognition and acclaim.
Dare was the recipient of several prestigious accolades during his career, including three Radio Academy Gold awards for best comedy.
McKenzie, who had worked with him for 18 years, summed up the industry’s loss: “I can’t believe he has gone, he will leave a big hole in the comedy world and in our hearts.”