Comedy writer Simon Carlyle has died. He was just 48 years old.

His most prominent credit was as co-writer of BBC Scotland's hit sitcom Two Doors Down, which completed filming for a seventh series less than two weeks ago.

The production team said: "We are deeply saddened by this terrible news. Simon was a brilliant, funny, mercurial and magnificent human being. He was at the centre of all the work we made together and his loss will be felt profoundly by all of us."

Born in Ayr, Carlyle also co-wrote Alan Carr's autobiographical sitcom Changing Ends, which launched its first series on ITVX in June, and penned BBC Two comedy Boy Meets Girl.

No cause of death has been reported, but it is said to have been sudden and in no suspicious circumstances.

His agent, Amanda Davis, said in a statement: "I am immensely sorry to confirm that Simon Carlyle has died at the age of 48.

"Simon was a wonderful person and a major comedic talent. He was much respected across the industry both for the quality of his writing and for being a kind, funny, supportive and nurturing collaborator."

As well as a writer, Carlyle was a successful script editor, working on series including BBC One's newest comedy, The Power Of Parker, as well as Benidorm and Bad Education.

Jon Petrie, the BBC's Director of Comedy Commissioning, said today: "We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of our friend and colleague Simon Carlyle.

"Simon was a wonderful comedy talent who, amongst many other credits, co-created and wrote the multi-award winning series Two Doors Down. His warm comic voice shone through these characters, garnering huge audience affection, and firmly establishing it as a long-lasting sitcom favourite.

"Our sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, added: "All of us at BBC Scotland are deeply saddened to hear this news. Simon was a major writing talent, loved for his work on Two Doors Down and many other series. Our thoughts are with Simon's family and friends, and the cast and crew on Two Doors Down."