Auf Wiedersehen Pet producer Allan McKeown dies

Comedy producer Allan McKeown has died aged 67.

McKeown executive produced the first two series of Auf Wiedersehen Pet, as well as sitcoms Shine on Harvey Moon and Birds of a Feather.

He died on Christmas Eve of prostrate cancer, it was announced today.

Originally a hairdresser to clients including Elizabeth Taylor and the Beatles, McKeown created hairstyles for iconic 1960s films including North East-based Get Carter.

He founded production company Witzend with Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, which produced Auf Wiedersehen Pet for Central Television between 1983 and 1986.

McKeown, who was married to American comedianTracey Ullman, disapproved of the show’s revival in 2002, and didn’t speak to its writers for many years, he told the BBC’s Comedy Connections documentary series.

He was scheduled to appear at a Q&A earlier this year at the Tyneside Cinema as part of a convention to celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary, but he was unable to attend.