Perkins, who produced some of the corporation's most popular programmes, was knocked down in Marylebone High Street, central London, at 9.30am yesterday.

Colleagues last night described him as "much loved and uniquely talented".

He was made head of comedy in May 1995, after working for BBC radio, where he created the game Mornington Crescent in the long-running series I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.

He also produced the radio series of the Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, the first BBC radio comedy in stereo. In TV he oversaw shows including the Royle Family and League Of Gentlemen.

Recently he had been working for Tiger Aspect Productions, and had produced the Catherine Tate Show, the Fast Show and Father Ted for Channel 4, and Benidorm for ITV. His latest production, Harry and Paul, starring Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse, is due to start on the BBC next week.

Jana Bennett, BBC director of vision, said: "Geoffrey Perkins ... embraced comedy talent to create unique programmes which will be enjoyed for a very long time. All of our thoughts are with Geoffrey's family at this very sad time."

Pete Bennett-Jones, chairman of Tiger Aspect, said: "It is an absolute tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."


GUARDIAN