Top BBC show creator behind Shakespeare & Hathaway dies just weeks after new series of latest show starts filming
A TOP BBC show creator has died just weeks after the new series of her latest show started filming.
Tributes have poured in for Jude Tindall following the star’s shock death this week.
Jude is behind a number of successful BBC-produced shows including Shakespeare & Hathaway and the Sister Boniface Mysteries.
In a statement, BBC Studios said: “We’re sorry to share the news of the sad passing of much-loved creator of Sister Boniface, co-creator of Shakespeare and Hathaway and master of cosy crime, Jude Tindall.
“Jude was a brilliant writer, scripting countless episodes of Sister Boniface, Father Brown, Casualty, Land Girls and Doctors. Those who had the privilege to work with her will know just how passionate she was about her shows and how generous she was in helping to develop the next generation of writers and producers.
“She’ll be deeply missed by the BBC Studios Drama team and our thoughts remain with her family.
“With Sister Boniface Series 1 starting on BBC One this Friday, the first episode will be dedicated to Jude’s memory.”
UKTV channel U&Dave paid tribute to the screenwriter as they also shared news of her death on social media.
They said: “We’re sorry to have to share the news of the sad passing of much-loved creator of Sister Boniface & co-creator of Shakespeare & Hathaway, Jude Tindall.
“Our thoughts remain with her friends. What are your fondest memories from the work Jude created.”
Tributes from fans poured in, with one writing: “So sorry to hear this sad news. Jude was an excellent writer. Thinking of her family and friends at this very sad time.”
A second penned: “Two great shows. So sorry to hear of Jude Tindall passing. RIP.”
“This is sad. She was a clever writer,” said a third.
While a fourth commented: “Such sad news condolences to her family. Her talent will certainly be missed I love both shows.”
News of Jude’s death comes just weeks after filming started on the fourth series of hit period comedy drama Sister Bonfire Mysteries.
The show has become a global hit since it first launched in 2022.
Jude has also written for popular medical soaps Doctors and Casualty.
BBC crime dramas
The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer.
Here’s a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.
- Campion: Aired from 1989 to 1990, this detective drama series was adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and stars Peter Davison.
- Dalziel And Pascoe: A gritty detective drama series about a mismatched pair of policemen, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Aired from 1996 to 2007.
- Death In Paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is assigned to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and is still on air to this day.
- Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this northern noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and facing her traumatic past.
- Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and links to his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Aired from 2013 to 2016.
- Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Based on the novels of Elizabeth George, this drama series is about upper-crust DI Thomas Lynley and working class DS Barbara Havers. Aired from 2001 to 2007.
- Jonathan Creek: Starring comedian Alan Davies, this comedy-drama series follows a inventor of magic tricks who is often called in to solve puzzling murders. Aired from 1997 to 2016.
- Law & Order: Originally broadcast in 1978, this four-part drama series is about the British judicial system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin.
- Life On Mars: Beguiling science-fiction police drama following a Manchester policeman who travels back to 1973 following a car accident. Stars John Simm and Philip Glenister. Aired from 2006 to 2007.
- Line Of Duty: Created by Jed Mercurio, this drama follows the investigations of AC-12, a controversial police anticorruption unit. Stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, aired from 2012 to 2021.
- Luther: Crime drama series starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. Aired from 2010 to 2019, with a follow-up film released in 2023.
- New Tricks: Warm-hearted drama following an eccentric group of old-fashioned detectives. Starring Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman, Alun Armstrong and James Bolam. Aired from 2003 to 2015.
- Sherlock: Benedict Cumberbatch stars a modern day Sherlock Holmes, teaming up with Martin Freeman‘s war veteran Dr Watson to solve impossible crimes. Aired from 2010 to 2017.
- Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell, showcasing the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Premiered in 2013 and is still on air to this day.
- The Cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Aired from 1998 to 2001.
- Waking The Dead: With a cast including Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team who unearths sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Aired from 2000 to 2011.
- Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to unsee the dark crimes he’s tasked to investigate while Wallander’s job comes at a cost to his family and relationships. Aired from 2008 to 2016.