Dawn French and Jason Manford pay tribute after ‘brilliant’ publicist Neil Reading dies aged 56

Dawn French and Jason Manford pay tribute after ‘brilliant’ publicist Neil Reading dies aged 56 | Senior TV Reporter Published July 30, 2026 9:36am Updated July 30, 2026 9:36am Tributes have flooded in for late entertainment publicist Neil Reading (Picture: PA) Leading celebrity publicist Neil Reading, described as ‘quietly magnificent’ and a ‘one-off’, has died aged 56. The entertainment PR to the stars, who founded Neil Reading PR,died after a short illness. During his career, he represented a whole host of high-profile clients including comedians Dawn French, John Cleese, the late Victoria Wood, as well as John Bishop, Sir Lenny Henry, Paul McKenna and Jason Manford. In a heartfelt tribute, the French and Saunders star said: ‘Neil Reading was a one-off, such a kind, decent, intelligent man, a proper gentleman in the old-fashioned way, quietly magnificent.’ Sharing how they built ‘a very real and trusting friendship’, she added: ‘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.’ Meanwhile, Manford praised him as a ‘trusted friend of almost 20 years, a confidant and one of the most loyal, noble, brilliant men I have ever known.’ Reading died aged 56 after a short illness (Picture: Reading family/PA Wire) Reading has built a well-respected reputation for himself across the TV industry since launching his agency in 1992. Neil Reading PR also launched a string of West End shows including High Society, Only Fools and Horses, and Fawlty Towers – The Play. 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’ while McKenna called him ‘one of the finest people I’ve ever known’. Another of his clients, Monty Python’s Cleese, called him ‘a very kind, protective, sensible and caring man, who looked after his clients with great skill’ and concluded he shall ‘miss him very much’. He represented clients like Dawn French (Picture: PA Wire) Jason Manford said he was ‘one of the most loyal, noble, brilliant men’ (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock) Piers Morgan shared that it was ‘incredibly sad news’. He continued; ‘Neil was a a brilliant PR man, one of the very best in the business who really cared about his clients. ‘He was also fantastic fun, I had so many great times with him over the years. My deepest condolences to all his family.’ ‘Saddened to hear that Neil Reading has died, shockingly young, much love to his wife and daughter – he was so much more than a “PR guru” he cared so much about his clients and was decent and honest, a gentleman and a friend,’ BBC contributor David Yelland echoed. ‘Neil Reading was honest, hard working, loyal and a true professional. He was also great fun. Most of all he was devoted to his family,’ Keir Simmons shared. Fellow PR man Neil Wallis called him ‘a brilliant, true, loyal, brave & wonderful friend’, sharing it was ‘so so sad. I’m bereft, as will be anyone who had the joy of knowing him & being his friend.’ He is survived by his wife Claire and daughter Rosa. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin