A SOUTHPORT journalist acknowledged as a “genius” for his later work in television died on Friday night after a short illness.
Gavin Blyth , 41, had been diagnosed with cancer just weeks before his death at St James Hospital in Leeds.
He is credited with turning around soap Emmerdale’s fortunes, after taking over as series producer in January 2009.
A spokesman for Emmerdale said: “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time.
“He will be greatly missed by us all.
“Gavin leaves his wife, Suzy, and children Tom, 15, Anya, 11 and Carter, aged one.”
Emmerdale assistant producer, Anthony Hammond described him as a “genius, gent and friend”.
Gavin started out with Liverpool’s Mercury Press Agency in the mid-1990s before going on to work for Caters News Agency in Birmingham.
Liverpool Press Club last night paid tribute calling him a “very popular man” and a “much respected and admired colleague”.
