Richard Hopkins dies at 47

Richard Hopkins, an british television producer who aided bring "DwtsInch for the U.S., died Saturday in the uk after an eight-month fight with cancer. He was 47.Over his 20-year career, Hopkins produced "Fame Academy" and "Fear Factor" in the uk and done the initial season of reality show "GovernmentInch before developing, pitching and creating popular dance contest "Strictly Come Dancing" for your BBC.He then introduced the format for the U.S., where the show was rechristened "Dwts.InchHopkins went the BBC's format entertainment division between 2003 and 2006, then launched Fever Media, a partnership TV company using the new the new sony Music.Fever Media joint controlling director David Mortimer mentioned he felt fortunate being both business partner and friend to Hopkins."Television is actually its character an ephemeral business, so handful of people can desire to have lasting legacy," Mortimer mentioned in the statement. "Richard will be a glorious exception with this rule, and the most effective producers of his generation, he quite literally got the earth dancing."Hopkins is managed to get by his wife and three kids. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com