Mervyn Cumming(1943-2021)

Born in Belfast on the 18th of December 1943, Mervyn developed a keen interest in drama from a young age. He studied English Literature and Drama at Leeds University. He then taught English and Drama at Huddersfield College, later becoming Head of Drama at Garforth Comprehensive School. He also worked at York University Television Service and finally at Leeds Polytechnic Television Service. It was during this time that Mervyn starred in the 1970 MGM Film Terre Brûlée (1970), under the acting name Mervyn Patrick. In 1972, Mervyn joined Yorkshire Television as a floor manager and would subsequently work his way up the ranks to become a director in 1980 on the documentary On the Road (1980).

Soon after this, Mervyn began directing Emmerdale Farm (1972), a show that he worked on until the mid-1990s, directing 140 episodes. Throughout his career he has directed all of the UK's major soap opera's including EastEnders (1985) (48 episodes), Coronation Street (1960) (125 episodes), Brookside (1982) (45 episodes) and Family Affairs (1997) (40 episodes) In 2001, Mervyn received a BAFTA Nomination for his directing work on Byker Grove (1989).

In recent years, Mervyn has combined directing with teaching, giving him the opportunity to give something back after over 3 decades of work in the profession. He has a new drama, Tanner (2007) and a documentary _'Dad's Army' & Beyond: The Frank Williams Story (2008) (TV)_ in post-production, due for release in 2008.