Former BBC producer, Derek Smith, passed away age 87.
Smith is best known as the creator of the original Top Gear magazine-style show back in 1977, which was fronted by broadcaster Angela Rippon and aired on BBC Midlands.
Speaking to The Guardian, Smith’s son Graham said: “He was a character, with a sense of fun, yet a serious determination that he had a duty to tell interesting stories in stimulating ways.”
Smith’s passing comes just weeks after the hit BBC motoring show was put on hiatus with its future fate not quite known following the decision not to renew presenter Jeremy Clarkson’s contract.
It’s certainly been a sad few weeks for all involved at Top Gear.
Via The Independent
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