The creator of the hit BBC crime drama Silent Witness, Nigel McCrery, left a surprisingly modest estate of just £10,000 when he passed away in February at the age of 71, it has been revealed.
Official documents showed the screenwriter and novelist, who was diagnosed with a terminal illness in October last year, had the sum in his estate at the time of his death. The £10,000 was divided among his relatives, including his three children and former partner.
From Police Officer to Television Creator
Before his celebrated television career, Nigel McCrery served as a police officer with the murder squad in Nottingham. This firsthand experience with criminal investigation would later become the foundation for his most successful work.
After leaving Nottinghamshire Police, he joined the BBC on a graduate entry scheme in 1990. He first used his policing background to create Backup, a drama about a police operational support unit that aired from 1995 to 1997.
His breakthrough came in 1996 when he created Silent Witness, the enduring BBC series following forensic pathologists and scientists investigating crimes. The show, which initially starred Amanda Burton and later Emilia Fox, became one of the corporation's most successful dramas, with season 29 scheduled to air in early 2026.
Family and Legacy
The Grant of Probate confirmed the value of his estate, stating: 'The application has stated that the gross value of the estate in the United Kingdom amounts to £10,000. And the net value amounts to £10,000.'
McCrery was father to two daughters, Emily and Rebecca, and one son, Luke. He married Gillian Copson in 1976, though they divorced in 2005. According to the will, each of his children received 25% of his estate, while his partner Abigail Cobley received 20% and his ex-wife received 5%.
Beyond Silent Witness, McCrery co-created the popular series New Tricks in 2005 with Roy Mitchell. The show, featuring three retired police officers solving cold cases and starring Dennis Waterman, ran for ten successful years.
His creative output extended to several novels and non-fiction books. At the time of his death, a United Agents spokesperson praised his legacy, stating: 'As the creative mind behind such hits as the much loved long running BBC drama series Silent Witness and New Tricks, Nigel captivated and inspired audiences for years with his work. His numerous contributions to the arts will always be remembered.'
