Award-winning writer who inspired hit BBC series dies aged 62 as emotional tributes pour in

TRIBUTES have poured in for an award-winning writer whose life inspired a hit BBC series following his death aged 62.

Alex Wheatle MBE, known as the “Brixton Bard”, passed away on March 16 after his fight with prostate cancer.

AlamyBeloved author and writer Alex Wheatle has died aged 62[/caption] GettyHe is best known for his Crongton book series, an adaptation of which will air on the BBC in just days[/caption] BBC/McQueen Limited/Parisa TaghizadehThe much-loved author’s life was dramatised in an episode of Steve McQueen’s anthology series Small Axe[/caption]

The beloved children’s writer and author wrote the award-winning Crongton series and inspired a self-titled episode of Steve McQueen’s BBC One anthology series Small Axe.

In a statement post on Instagram, his family said: “It is with great sadness we inform you that Alex Wheatle, our ‘Brixton Bard’, sadly passed away on Sunday 16th March 2025 after his fight with prostate cancer.

“Alex has 26 years of legacy for you all to continue and enjoy by reading his novels, watch again the self-titled episode Alex Wheatle from the Small Axe TV series and also watch the new upcoming Crongton TV series as he looks over us in spirit.

“Alex’s family would like to thank you all for your support over the years in his work and we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”

Tributes have poured in for the much-loved, “wonderful” author following his death.

Dr Anita Sethi said: “Heartbroken to hear of the death of the wonderful writer Alex Wheatle with whom I was honoured to share both stages & pages.

“Fondly remembering our event for Common People anthology.

“Rest in Power, Alex.”

Writer and comedian Archie Maddocks said: “Alex Wheatle was a titan.

“A fighter in realest sense of the word.

“He created a beautiful Wheatle-verse in his writing and his words affected the lives of thousands.

“I’m so sad he’s gone, but I’m happy that he left a legacy enduring enough to achieve immortality.”

The Black British Book Festival has also paid tribute following the news of his passing.

It said: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Alex Wheatle, a legendary novelist and a phenomenal leader in Black British literature.

“His powerful storytelling and dedication to uplifting Black voices earned him an MBE and numerous other awards.

“His impact on literature and young readers will never be forgotten.”

The festival added: “Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.

“Peace and love.”

Alex was born in London in 1963 to Jamaican parents, spending much of his childhood at Shirley Oaks children’s home a few miles east of Croydon.

During a short prison stint for his involvement in the 1981 Brixton uprising, he found his love of literature.

GettyThe author’s early life was dramatised on screen in an episode of Small Axe in 2020[/caption] GettyAlex had been sentenced to imprisonment after the 1981 Brixton riot[/caption]

Writing poems and lyrics, he became known by the pen name “the Brixton Bard”.

Alex’s early books are based on his teenage life in Brixton as well as his time in social services’ care.

These experiences were dramatised on screen in an episode of Small Axe in 2020.

The show, created by Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen, best-known for his film 12 Years A Slave, follows four real life tales and one fictional from London’s Caribbean community between the late 1960s and early 1980s.

Alex’s episode shows his life from being abandoned by his parents, to suffering horrific abuse while in care, and then going on to become an award winning author.

Steve had wanted Alex to write the screenplay for his episode simply titled – Alex Wheatle – but the author declined.

His episode shows the horrible daily abuse he suffered at a care home, including one horrifying scene where after wetting the bed as a 13-year-old, one of the matron’s stuffs the wet bedsheets in his mouth as punishment.

It also depicts the abuse he suffered at the Surreys’ Shirley Oaks children’s home, which in real life has been the centre of a sexual abuse inquiry.

He had explained: “When you’re that low a class, when you’re underneath the lowest rung of the ladder… it’s like you’re the scum of the earth, it’s very, very difficult to try and build up this reservoir of potential inside of you, to push on and be who you want to be.”

Alex was the author of several novels which were shortlisted for a number of prestigious awards, including the Carnegie Medal and the YA Book Prize.

AlamyAlex Wheatle died following his battle with prostate cancer[/caption]