Neil Reading, one of Britain’s leading entertainment publicists who represented stars including John Cleese, Dawn French and the late Victoria Wood, has died aged 56 after a short illness. The founder of Neil Reading PR launched a string of hit West End shows, including High Society, Only Fools And Horses and Fawlty Towers – The Play. Dawn French called Neil Reading her ‘ally and fierce protector’ (Matt Crossick Media Assignments/PA)Paying tribute, French said: “Neil Reading was a one-off, such a kind, decent, intelligent man, a proper gentleman in the old-fashioned way, quietly magnificent. “He was a trusted friend of almost 20 years, a confidant and one of the most loyal, noble and brilliant men I have ever known.” Businessman Nick Candy, who was a close friend of Reading, said: “Neil wasn’t just a brilliant publicist – he was a true friend and one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known.”