The creator of hit TV crime drama Silent Witness has left just £10,000 in his will after dying from a terminal illness aged 71, it has been revealed.
Nigel McCrery – who is also the co-creator of New Tricks – had that amount in his estate when he passed away in February, documents show, and the modest sum was divided among his relatives.
The screenwriter and novelist was diagnosed with a terminal illness in October last year.
He served as a police officer with the murder squad in Nottingham before he launched his television career.
After leaving Nottinghamshire Police, he joined the BBC on a graduate entry scheme in 1990.
He used his background in policing to create Backup, a drama about a police operational support unit.
It ran between 1995 and 1997, as reported by NeedToKnow. He then went on to create the drama Silent Witness in 1996.
It followed forensic pathologists and scientists investigating crimes and trying to catch the people responsible.
Nigel McCrery (pictured) left just £10,000 in his will after dying from a terminal illness aged 71
Mr McCrery had two daughters, named Emily and Rebecca, and one son, Luke
The modest sum of £10,000 was divided among his relatives after his death
Nigel McCrery had the amount in his estate when he passed away in February
Initially starring Amanda Burton and Emilia Fox, it became one of the BBC’s most enduring dramas. Season 29 will be airing in early 2026.
The Grant of Probate reads: ‘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.’
Mr McCrery had two daughters, named Emily and Rebecca, and one son, Luke.
He married Gillian Copson in 1976 but they divorced in 2005.
The writer left 25 per cent of his estate to each of his children, 20 per cent to his partner Abigail Cobley and 5 per cent to his ex-wife.
Mr McCrery also co-created New Tricks in 2005 with Roy Mitchell.
The show, which focused on three retired police officers who were drafted in to help solve cold cases and became a starring vehicle for Dennis Waterman, ran for 10 years.
He also wrote several novels as well as a number of non-fiction books.
At the time of his death, a United Agents spokesperson said: ‘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. Nigel had an incredible career and will be greatly missed.’
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Surprising amount Silent Witness creator left to his family after passing away from terminal illness aged 71