The BBC is sad to announce the death of John Sullivan OBE after a short illness. Sullivan, 64, was one of Britain's most successful television writers creating hits including Only Fools And Horses, Citizen Smith, Roger Roger and The Green Green Grass.

Only Fools And Horses was regularly voted the best British comedy of all time. His most recent work Rock & Chips was already scheduled to be shown on BBC One this Thursday.

Mark Thompson, BBC Director General, said: "John created some of the UK's most loved comedies, from Only Fools And Horses to his most recent work, Rock & Chips. He had a unique gift for turning everyday life and characters we all know into unforgettable comedy. His work will live on for years to come. We will miss him and we send our condolences to his family."

Danny Cohen, Controller of BBC One, said: "John was a giant of television comedy, with his writing bringing joy to many millions over the decades. His loss will be felt hugely at the BBC and across Britain."

Mark Freeland, BBC Head of Comedy, said: "No one understood what made us laugh and cry better than John Sullivan. He was the Dickens of our generation. Simply the best, most natural, most heartfelt comedy writer of our time."

Gareth Gwenlan, Producer of Only Fools And Horses and close friend, said: "The sudden death of John Sullivan has deprived the world of television comedy of its greatest exponent. John was a writer of immense talent and he leaves behind him an extraordinary body of work which has entertained tens of millions of viewers and will continue to do so for many decades to come. I have had the privilege of working with John for over 30 years as a colleague and close friend. He was a writer at the peak of his creative powers with so much more to give.

"John's family was at the centre of his whole life, everything he did was for his family. They are at the centre of my thoughts at this tragic time."

John Sullivan was born on 23 December 1946 in Balham, south London, and was married with two sons, one daughter and two grandchildren. He was awarded the OBE in 2005 for services to drama.

BBC Press Office