Writer Peter Barnes dies age 73

Barnes also wrote for radio (photo credit - Peter Bayliss)

Screenwriter and playwright Peter Barnes has died aged 73, after suffering a stroke on Thursday.

Barnes was best known for his classic comedy film The Ruling Class, starring Peter O'Toole, released in 1972.

His agent Jodi Shields said he died in hospital "surrounded by those he loved", after becoming ill at his home in Marble Arch, London.

"As a person he was witty and clever and funny. He was a really political playwright," said Ms Shields.

O'Toole was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of a mad Earl in The Ruling Class.

Barnes' best known play was Red Noses, which won an Olivier Award for best play in the early 80s.

His screenplay of Elizabeth von Armin's novel Enchanted April received an Oscar nomination in 1992.

He wrote about social injustices and was a very straight forward social commentator Jodi Shields

Triplets

One of his last completed screenplays is due to air on Granada television. Based on his own life, the two-part drama, titled Babies, tells the story of a man who became the father of triplets in later life.

Barnes' wife Christie gave birth to his daughter Leela when he was 69, and the arrival of triplets Nathaniel, Zachary and Abigail followed soon after.

"He couldn't quite believe the notoriety he gained for being a father late in life, with four children under four," said Ms Shields.

"He would say he had worked so hard for so long to build up his career, but every time some older man became a dad papers would ring him up for a comment," she said.

Another recent screenplay by the writer was Sea Change, an adaptation of a Noel Coward play, which will be produced by the actress Kristin Scott Thomas.

He also adapted many classic stories for US television, including Alice in Wonderland and A Christmas Carol.