Comedy writer and producer David Croft dies
David Croft OBE, one of British comedy's most successful and prolific writers and producers, has died aged 89, his family have confirmed.
Mr Croft passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Portugal home earlier this morning. In a statement, his family said: "He was a truly great man, who will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing and loving him. We know that he would have been proud that you had all been watching."
Coming from a theatrical family, David Croft had a brief career as a child actor before joining the army in 1942 and serving in India. It was his experience in the forces that would go on to influence much of his later work, such as Dad's Army and It Ain't Half Hot Mum.
After leaving the military, Croft re-entered showbusiness, and held a number of roles before joining Tyne Tees Television as a producer. During the 1960s he moved to the BBC, where one of his first credits was as a producer on Benny Hill's first ever TV series.
At the corporation, Croft produced shows such as Hugh And I, Up Pompeii!, Beggar My Neighbour and Till Death Us Do Part, but is perhaps best known for his writing partnerships with Jeremy Lloyd and Jimmy Perry.
With Perry, Croft wrote, produced and directed Dad's Army, Hi-De-Hi!, You Rang, M'Lord? and It Ain't Half Hot Mum.
His partnership with Jeremy Lloyd was equally impressive, counting 'Allo 'Allo!, Oh Happy Band! and Are You Being Served? amongst their credits.
Croft's last sitcom was railway-based Oh Doctor Beeching! in the mid 1990s, which was written alongside Richard Spendlove.
David Croft - born David Sharland - was awarded the OBE in 1978 for services to television. He is survived by his wife, Ann, and seven children.
The following video shows David Croft talking about making Dad's Army.