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Rumpole's creator Mortimer dies Rumpole's creator Mortimer dies
(20 minutes later)
Dramatist and author Sir John Mortimer, who created enduring character Rumpole of the Bailey, has died aged 85 after a long illness.Dramatist and author Sir John Mortimer, who created enduring character Rumpole of the Bailey, has died aged 85 after a long illness.
Sir John, who began working as a barrister in the 1940s, went on to become one of the most prolific writers of books and screenplays.Sir John, who began working as a barrister in the 1940s, went on to become one of the most prolific writers of books and screenplays.
He wrote his first radio play in 1957, and later wrote a TV adaptation of Laurie Lee's Cider With Rosie. He first radio play was broadcast in 1957, and later wrote a TV adaptation of Laurie Lee's Cider With Rosie.
Sir John, whose daughter is actress Emily Mortimer, was knighted in 1998.Sir John, whose daughter is actress Emily Mortimer, was knighted in 1998.
His other well-known screen creations included obnoxious Conservative MP Lesley Titmuss, portrayed by actor David Threfall. 'Great loss'
His other well-known screen creations included obnoxious Conservative MP Lesley Titmuss, portrayed by actor David Threlfall.
Actor Leo McKern, who died in 2002, played Rumpole throughout his time on screen, and was called "a wonderful actor" by Sir John.
The fictional barrister famously referred to his feared wife Hilda as "she who must be obeyed". Leo McKern (right) played Rumpole on television
Sir John adapted his own best-selling novel Summer's Lease for the small screen, which featured Sir John Gielgud.Sir John adapted his own best-selling novel Summer's Lease for the small screen, which featured Sir John Gielgud.
The writer also adapted ITV's lavish 11-part serial Brideshead Revisited.
He combined his careers as barrister and dramatist for several decades, and appeared for the defence in the infamous Lady Chatterley's Lover obscenity trial in the 1960s.He combined his careers as barrister and dramatist for several decades, and appeared for the defence in the infamous Lady Chatterley's Lover obscenity trial in the 1960s.
BBC radio drama head Alison Hindell said: "It's a great loss for the huge circle of his admirers, fans and friends who will always carry Rumpole and the other wonderful works he wrote, in their hearts." BBC radio drama head Alison Hindell said: "It's a great loss for the huge circle of his admirers, fans and friends who will always carry Rumpole, and the other wonderful works he wrote, in their hearts."