‘Silent witness’ creator Nigel McCrery dies at 71

By Ihesiulo Grace

15 February 2025

Nigel McCrery, the acclaimed creator of BBC crime dramas Silent Witness and New Tricks, has died at the age of 71.

A former Nottinghamshire police officer, McCrery transitioned into television, infusing his storytelling with real-life investigative experience. His agent confirmed that he was diagnosed with a terminal illness in October 2024.

Debuting in 1996, Silent Witness became one of the BBC’s longest-running and most beloved dramas, known for its gripping forensic investigations.

In 2003, McCrery co-created New Tricks, a series centered on retired detectives solving cold cases, further cementing his reputation for compelling crime storytelling.

Beyond television, he was also a prolific author, writing both novels and non-fiction works, leaving an enduring legacy in the crime genre.