Derek Granger 1921-2022

We are sad to report that Derek Granger (Powell 1935-39), our oldest Old Eastbournian, died on 29 November.

A statement from his close friends said: 'Brideshead Revisited producer Derek Granger has died peacefully at his home at the age of 101.'

Although he is perhaps most well known for Brideshead Revisited, Derek was also a producer of Coronation Street in its early days, as well as being a scriptwriter, and later became Granada Television’s head of drama.

His productions also included Country Matters, based on HE Bates’s stories, and the 1976 production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Laurence Olivier, Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner.

ITV issued the following statement: 'With great sadness the production team at Coronation Street and ITV Studios would like to send heartfelt condolences to Derek’s family and friends.'

Having left the College in 1939, Derek served in the Second World War, as a lieutenant in the Royal Navy. He then worked as a journalist in Brighton, before being headhunted by the Financial Times as their first drama and film critic. That led to an invitation to work in television from Sidney Bernstein, the head of Granada.

On 24 April this year, a day after his 101st birthday, Derek appeared at the Birley Centre in conversation with David Grindley, and spoke about his fascinating life in the world of television.

You can listen to his obituary on BBC Radio 4's Last Word here.