Rob Grant: rob grant, Red Dwarf co-creator, dies aged 70

rob grant, the comedy writer best known as the co-creator of the long-running sitcom Red Dwarf, has died at the age of 70. Tributes have been published from colleagues, cast members and a fan site that shared a family statement about his sudden passing.

How the news emerged

The news was broken by the Red Dwarf fan site, Ganymede and Titan. (note - at the time of writing the site has gone down due, presumably, to so many fans trying to find out more details).

Family statement and fan site tribute

A message shared on the fan site relayed a family announcement: "With much sadness, we have to announce that Rob Grant, co-creator of Red Dwarf, passed away suddenly yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 25th February 2026), a great loss to his family, friends and comedy fans across the world. "

The fan site added its own words: "We’re in too much shock to add much else right now, other than to pass on our sympathies and love to Rob’s family, friends, colleagues and fans. This is devastating news, and for it to have happened within a week of his first Red Dwarf novel for thirty years being officially announced is just the sort of cruel twist of fate that Rob delighted in inventing.

"We’ll have more to say over the coming days, weeks and months, to celebrate the life of a man whose imagination, creativity and humour was matched only by his kindness, friendliness and generosity. We will forever be grateful for the impact the world he co-created had on our lives, and honoured to have known him. "

Tributes from cast and colleagues

Craig Charles, who played Lister on the show, posted on social media: "Earlier today I was informed of the passing of @realrobgrant. i am in total shock. He was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. A visionary. My heart goes out to his family and friends. The impact he and Doug had on the course of my life is immeasurable RIP ROB. "

Actor Cameron Yarde wrote: "RIP Rob Grant. Co-creator of Red Dwarf with Doug Naylor, wrote for Spitting Image with Doug in its early years including The Chicken Song and wrote on the excellent Carrott's Lib. That's not just a career, that's a legacy. "

An official show account posted: "We are devastated to learn of Rob’s passing and send love to his family and friends. He will always live on through his amazing creativity, storytelling and humour. Travel well, Sir"

Rob Grant's career and credits

Rob Grant was best known as co-creator of Red Dwarf with Doug Naylor. He was also one of the main writers on Spitting Image for many years, writing regularly with Doug Naylor. Grant wrote two other TV series, The Strangerers and Dark Ages, and authored a number of novels. One of his first jobs was writing for Jasper Carrot's show, Carrot's Lib.

Red Dwarf emerged out of a sketch on the radio show Son of Cliche, launched in 1988 and became a major hit for the. The series made stars out of Craig Charles, Chris Barrie, Robert Llewellyn and Danny John-Jules as well as Hattie Hayridge and Norman Lovett. The show later moved to the channel Dave in 2009, ran across 12 seasons and two specials named Back to Earth and the Promised Land, and continued to be watched by large, devoted audiences.

The sitcom followed Dave’s adventures as the last living human being aboard the Red Dwarf mining spaceship after he awakens three million years after suspended animation.

New novel and timing

His first Red Dwarf novel for thirty years, Titan, co-credited to Andrew Marshall, had recently been announced and is due to be published in July. The fan site described the proximity of that announcement to his death as "just the sort of cruel twist of fate that Rob delighted in inventing. "

Public reactions and local details

Rob Grant was 70. A cause of death has not been made public.

Several readers left comments alongside coverage: Dan Adair said: "The legend Rob Grant, RIP. " Robert Duffy wrote: "A legend has left us. " Elaine Winstanley added: "RIP and condolences to his family and friends. " Clare Couzens commented: "How sad. " A user named nocow posted: "Rest in peace. Great programme. "

Rob was born in Salford and studied psychology at the University of Liverpool, where he met his collaborator Doug.

Personal recollection

One writer who worked with Grant and Doug on The Official Red Dwarf Companion said: "I worked with Rob and Doug to write The Official Red Dwarf Companion. I found them both to be great company, a great double act, and, above all, devoted to the art of making people laugh. "

This is a breaking story, more will follow…