Neil Reading, the UK entertainment publicist whose clients included John Cleese, Lenny Henry and Dawn French, has died at the age of 56 following a short illness, The Sun reported on 29 July 2026.

The news was carried by Deadline on 30 July, which attributed the cause of death to The Sun's report and noted that tributes had begun pouring in from some of the biggest names in British comedy (Deadline).

Reading launched his own firm, Neil Reading PR, in 1992. It specialised in entertainment and lifestyle PR — the business of managing how public figures and shows are presented to the press and public. Over more than three decades, his client list grew to include John Cleese, Lenny Henry, Dawn French, Jason Manford and the late Victoria Wood, according to Deadline.

His work extended beyond individual performers. The Independent reported that Reading's firm launched a string of hit West End shows, including a production of High Society (The Independent). He also served as publicist for the late actress and writer Caroline Aherne, and it was Reading who announced her death to the press in July 2016 (BBC News).

Tributes from the comedy world came quickly. Dawn French described Reading as her "ally and fierce protector," in remarks reported by The Independent. Jason Manford also paid tribute, as quoted in The Sun's coverage. Broadcaster Carol Vorderman said she was "in a state of shock" following the news, the Express reported.

Reading is survived by his wife Claire and daughter Rosa, according to Deadline.

For decades, Reading stood behind some of British entertainment's most recognisable names — not on stage or on screen, but as the person whose job it was to make sure their stories reached the public intact. The tributes from French, Manford and Vorderman suggest that behind that professional role was someone the performers trusted personally, not just as a press handler but as a steadfast presence in an industry where loyalty is not always guaranteed.