The Stage

Writer and broadcaster Linda Smith dies

Published Tuesday 28 February 2006 at 17:50 by Liz Thomas

Radio comedian Linda Smith, who appeared on shows such as Radio 4’s The News Quiz, Just A Minute and I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue has died of cancer aged 48.

The writer and broadcaster, who penned and starred in two series of popular sitcom Linda Smith’s Brief History of Time Wasting, was voted the “wittiest person on radio” in a listener’s poll in 2002.

Mark Damazer, controller, Radio 4 said: “Linda Smith was a Radio 4 giant. She was incredibly funny. She generated an energy and warmth in every programme she ever did that made her fellow comedians and millions of listeners love her. It’s a terrible loss.”

Smith also had a successful career on television with a string of appearances on popular shows including Have I Got News For You, QI and Mock the Week.

Jeremy Hardy, comedian and News Quiz regular, paid tribute to Smith who died on Monday. He said: “I am so lucky to have had such a wonderful friend. Working with someone so funny always reminded me of what comedy is all about. Her banter and flights of fancy were amazing. She was the wittiest and brightest person working on TV or radio panel games. And it was impossible to be in her company for more than a few minutes without laughing. Even when she was very ill, she had her friends laughing and feeling uplifted despite our sadness.”

There will be a special tribute edition of the News Quiz on March 3 at 6.30pm presented by Andy Hamilton.