Liddy Oldroyd

Elizabeth Mary "Liddy" Oldroyd (16 June 1955 – 27 June 2002) was an English television director known for her work as the director of all 65 episodes of the situation comedy show Drop the Dead Donkey between 1990 and 1998, earning her several awards. Born in Guildford into a working-class family, her career began as a production assistant for London Weekend Television. She was the first female director of the satirical puppet programme Spitting Image.

Early life and career Elizabeth Mary Oldroyd was born on 16 June 1955 in Guildford, Surrey. She was the youngest of four children of mechanical engineer Frederick Oldroyd, who died when Liddy was eleven years old, and Elsie May, née Cooke. Oldroyd later attended the University of York where she succeeded in acting and singing. She created a television project on Fountains Abbey as part of her English degree which began her career in the industry. She married Peter Gwilliam in 1983 and the couple had three children. She was one of the directors of Channel 4's situation comedy and black sitcom Desmond's in 1989. Throughout the following decade Oldroyd directed other comedy programmes such as After Henry.

Illness and death Prior to signing a new contract, a routine check-up in 1999 revealed Oldroyd had an abnormally high blood pressure. Following twelve weeks of investigations, spreading of disinformation and bungled biopsies, she was diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoid cancer, and received a telephone call of the diagnosis on New Year's Eve. Oldroyd focused her attention on fundraising treatment, inspiring her friends and acquaintances to help her cause by taking treks to Morocco and Nepal along with organising a cycling tour across France. The cause raised £130,000. She also established the Living with Carcinoid support group to provide long-distance help for others affected by the illness. Oldroyd's work led to her being featured on The Timess 2000 Christmas appeal. She died on 27 June 2002 at the age of 47. Oldroyd was married with three children.