David Cook

Died: September 16, 2015

THE script writer David Cook, who has died aged 74, began his career as an actor and was a presenter of the children's television series Rainbow before finding fame as a script writer of television dramas. He concentrated, initially, on writing about the severely disabled and gained a special renown for his drama Walter which starred Ian McKellan and which was aired on the opening night of Channel 4 in 1982. Later he wrote the books on which the television series Hetty Wainthropp Investigates is based.

Cook adapted his books for television with real flair and ensured that the central sleuth – ably played by Patricia Routledge – remained a charismatic character. Routledge, wearing sensible berets and blessed with much sound Northern common sense, was very different from the fearsome Hyacinth Bucket in the hit sitcom Keeping Up Appearances.

Many of Cook's characters were isolated and on the fringe of society. Their life was handicapped and lonely – severely crippled by their illness. Cook, who had worked as a hospital nurse when out of work as an actor, never allowed the novels to become mawkish and maintained a subtle sense of humour.

David Cook attended Rishton Secondary Modern School and London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He was seen in various TV dramas from Z Cars to Coronation Street and in a west end play (Little Boxes by John Bowen) and understudied McKellan in a play in London.

In 1972 he was asked by Thames Television to present their midday children's programme, Rainbow, which aimed to develop the viewer's minds. It gave Cook the chance to write his first television play, Willy, a grim drama about brain damage starred Christopher Gable and Anna Massey.

Its success led to two novels: Albert's Memorial and Happy Endings. The latter explored the relationship between a 12-year-old boy and a school teacher.

In 1978 Cook wrote Walter about a kind-hearted autistic man whose life is total drudgery and he can only relate to his pigeons. The book, despite its depressing nature, sold well but it was a brave choice for Jeremy Isaacs, the first boss at Channel 4, to commission Cook to adapt it for television. One reviewer wrote that it gave a compassionate glimpse into autism.

Cook wrote a sequel in 1983, Walter and June, starring Sarah Miles and a final novel, Walter Now, which on McKellan's suggestion had a more optimistic conclusion. It reflected Cook's ability to tell an emotional story without lapsing into melodrama or sentimentality.

In 1994 Cook wrote the screen play Second Best which told of the problems a single man faced in trying to adopt a young boy. The film starred William Hurt and was directed by Chris Menges.

His career brought fresh fame in 1996 when he adapted, with his long-time partner John Bowen, his books on Hetty Wainthropp. As the retired senior citizen with a knack for crime solving, Routledge delivered a sleuth with a down-to-earth approach. In fact Routledge said she "knew" Hetty. She had read one of Cook's books for A Book at Bedtime on Radio 4 and "David's stories are full of encouragement, hope, determination and North Country humour" Routledge said.

Cook's adaptations preserved the original zest and straightforward appeal of the originals and the series worked well on television gaining a large audience.

Cook was writer-in-residence at St. Martin's College, Lancaster and was given many literary awards including the Writers Guild Award and the American Academy E.M. Forster Award. He is survived by John Bowen.

ALASDAIR STEVEN