'Strictly Come Dancing' producer Richard Hopkins dies, aged 47

Richard Hopkins, best known as the producer of Strictly Come Dancing, has died at the age of 47.

The TV executive, who had been suffering from cancer, passed away on Saturday and is survived by his wife Katy and his three daughters, reports BBC News.

After successfully pitching and developing Strictly, Hopkins sold the format to the US and acted as executive producer of Dancing with the Stars for its first season.

His other credits include Big Brother, The Big Breakfast, Fame Academy and Mastermind.

Hopkins also produced Channel 4's The 11 O'Clock Show, which launched the careers of Ricky Gervais and Sacha Baron Cohen.

BBC entertainment commissioning controller Mark Linsey hailed Hopkins as "one of the leading entertainment producers of his generation".

"His drive, energy and passion was an example to us all and whatever the size of the project, regardless of the broadcaster, he gave it the same professionalism and dynamic approach," Linsey explained.

"People who had the pleasure of working with Richard will always remember him as a joy to work with and someone absolutely dedicated to his profession."

His joint managing director at Fever Media, David Mortimer, commented: "Television is, by its nature, an ephemeral business, so very few of us can hope to have any lasting legacy.

"Richard was a glorious exception to this rule and, as one of the greatest producers of his generation, he quite literally got the world dancing."