Acclaimed Steptoe and Son scriptwriter Alan Simpson dies ages 87

Scriptwriter Alan Simpson, who was behind Hancock’s Half Hour and Steptoe and Son, has died at the age of 87.

The acclaimed British writer was one half of duo Galton and Simpson, alongside Ray Galton, and co-wrote a number of the UK’s most iconic comedies.

Simpson’s manager Tessa Le Bars confirmed on Wednesday that the writer had undergone a “long battle with lung disease”.

He is best known for his work with comedian Tony Hancock on both radio and television between 1954 and 1961.

The writing duo then penned the much-loved situation comedy Steptoe and Son, which ran for eight series from 1962-1974.

After the show ended, Simpson went on to work on projects with Frankie Howerd before retiring from screenwriting in 1978.