A COUNTY man who produced comedy shows including Only Fools and Horses has died aged 79.
Gareth Gwenlan, who was born in Brecon and lived in Putley, held the post of head of comedy at BBC TV from 1982 to 1990 and was awarded an OBE in 2013 for services to broadcasting.
During his time with the BBC, Mr Gwenlan commissioned some of the channel's most popular comedies, including One Foot In The Grave, Blackadder, Yes Prime Minister and 'Allo 'Allo.
He is best-known as the producer of Only Fools and Horses, and was there when David Jason performed – for a live audience and for the first time – the famous stunt of calmly leaning back with his drink only to fall through an open bar hatch.
Locally, Mr Gwenlan was often seen frequenting The Oak Inn Staplow, near Ledbury, and the Green Dragon Inn, in Bishop's Frome.
Former colleagues have paid tribute to Mr Gwenlan with John Challis, who also lives in the county, taking to Twitter to express his sadness.
All at the society are very sad to hear of the passing of the shows producer Gareth Gwenlan pic.twitter.com/7Q3seZ0vm0
— Perry (@onlyfoolsnews) May 9, 2016
Gareth Gwenlan also DIRECTED a few episodes of Only Fools and Horses.Anyone know which ones?
— John Challis (@BeingBoycie) May 9, 2016
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