Neil Reading, one of Britain’s leading entertainment publicists who represented stars including John Cleese, Dawn French and the late Victoria Wood, has died aged 56 after a short illness.
The founder of Neil Reading PR launched a string of hit West End shows, including High Society, Only Fools And Horses and Fawlty Towers – The Play.
He also represented household names including John Bishop, Sir Lenny Henry, Paul McKenna and Jason Manford.
Paying tribute, French said: “Neil Reading was a one-off, such a kind, decent, intelligent man, a proper gentleman in the old-fashioned way, quietly magnificent.
“Our work relationship became a very real and trusting friendship.
“He has been my ally and fierce protector through so much and for so long. I don’t quite know how I’ll manage without him. Sleep tight darlin’ heart.”
Manford added: “Describing Neil as my PR manager does not come close to describing what he meant to me.
“He was a trusted friend of almost 20 years, a confidant and one of the most loyal, noble and brilliant men I have ever known.”
Reading launched his agency in 1992, specialising in entertainment, consumer and lifestyle PR.
The company also has business, property and fashion divisions, and is affiliated with several agencies across Europe and the United States.
Bishop said: “Neil was a true gentleman. He was too humble to realise how much he meant to people and I know he will be greatly missed.”
McKenna said: “Neil was one of the finest people I’ve ever known.”
Businessman Nick Candy, who was a close friend of Reading, said: “Neil wasn’t just a brilliant publicist – he was a true friend and one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known.”
Reading is survived by his wife Claire and daughter Rosa.
