Iconic children’s book writer Alex Wheatle, who inspired BBC show, dies aged 62
The beloved artist wrote the award-winning Crongton series.
Award-winning writer Alex Wheatle MBE – whose life inspired a hit BBC series – has died aged 62.
Wheatle, who was known as the Brixton Bard, passed away on March 16 following a prostate cancer diagnosis.
The beloved artist wrote the award-winning Crongton series and inspired a self-titled episode of Steve McQueen’s BBC One anthology series Small Axe.
A 10-part TV adaptation of the Crongton books is scheduled to start airing on BBC Three in 2025.
Wheatle’s family posted the news of his death on Instagram, writing: ‘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.
Wheatle often talked to pupils about how he came from a difficult background but turned his life around and became a successful writer (Picture: Alex Lentati)‘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.’
Born in 1963 in London to Jamaican parents, Wheatle spent much of his childhood in a Shirley Oaks Children’s Home before becoming a DJ at 16 years old.
He told the Guardian in 2016: ‘Writing released all the demons for me … I started to write about Shirley Oaks – just for myself and my own peace of mind.’
By 1980, Wheatle was living in a social services hostel in Brixton and was present for the Brixton Riots in 1981, which led to his incarceration.
While in prison, he read authors such as Chester Himes, Richard Wright, C. L. R. James, and John Steinbeck and was inspired to become a writer.
Crongton Knights is set to be made into a seriesHe features aspects of his life and upbringing in his books, such as East of Acre Lane characters Yardman Irie (inspired by his DJ name) and Jah Nelson.
His early books – adult fiction – are based on his life in South London and his experiences of the culture and social dynamics there. He published his first novel in 1999.
Wheatle was awarded the MBE for services to literature in 2008.
His 2016 book Crongton Knights won the 50th Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize and became a beloved fixture in British culture.
The book’s protagonist is chubby 14-year-old McKay, who lives on the fictional estate of Crongton and navigates the ups and downs of adolescence.
Wheatle was portrayed by Sheyi Cole in McQueen’s retelling of his life (Picture: BBC/McQueen Limited/Parisa Taghizadeh)S. F. Said, one of the judging panel, said of the book: ‘Wheatle’s writing is poetic, rhythmic and unique, remaking the English language with tremendous verve. Though Crongton is his invention, it resonates with many urban situations, not only in Britain but around the world. Crongton Knights is a major novel from a major voice in British children’s literature.’
The Guardian described Straight Outta Crongton in 2017: ‘In some ways, Straight Outta Crongton feels like an easier read than it is. The richness of the dialogue, the banter between friends, and the vividness of the language distract you from the neglect, abuse and underlying sense of menace.’
Wheatle’s life story became a reference point for the experience of the West Indian community in the UK when the fourth film in Small Axe – a 2020 anthology of five films by Steve McQueen -depicted his experience in the 70s and 80s.
Wheatle is survived by his three children.
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