Ex-BBC comedy head killed in road accident

Geoffrey Perkins, the BBC's former head of TV comedy, has been killed after being hit by a van.

The TV exec, 55, was knocked down by the vehicle on Marylebone High Street in central London at 9.30am on Friday.

He has a long string of comedy credits to his name, including The Catherine Tate Show, The Fast Show, Father Ted and Spitting Image. He also created the 'Mornington Crescent' game on I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.

"Geoffrey Perkins was an outstanding creator of countless comedy hits on the BBC and elsewhere, and a very distinguished former BBC head of comedy," said Jana Bennett, head of BBC Vision. "He embraced comedy talent to create unique programmes which will be enjoyed for a very long time to come. All of our thoughts are with Geoffrey's family at this very sad time."