Former Rugby Football League chief executive Maurice Lindsay, who also masterminded Wigan's revival in the 1980s as chairman, has died aged 81.
The businessman, also a former chairman of football club Preston North End, was heavily involved in the creation of Super League in 1996.
Actress, screenwriter and director Kay Mellor has died aged 71, it has been announced.
A spokesperson for her TV production company, Rollem Productions, confirmed "with profound sadness" that she died on Sunday.
She was known for creating and writing the ITV series Fat Friends - which helped launch James Corden's career.
Mellor also wrote comedy and drama series such as The Syndicate, Girlfriends and Band of Gold.