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Perhaps their meeting in a tuberculosis sanitorium informed their comedy, or perhaps they were both pessimists anyway – it doesn't matter.

The pair were instrumental in creating one of the all-time greats of dissatisfaction with the world as the writers of Hancock's Half-Hour, which ended in 1961 chiefly because of Hancock's insecurities.

Simpson, with Galton, set up Associated London Scripts, a 50s creative house whose members are astonishing: Milligan, Speight, Sykes amongst others.

He and Galton then created their greatest legacy, Steptoe and Son, just to prove they hadn't let years of working with Hancock make them cheery.

Almost unwatchably depressing now, Steptoe's bitter, painful humour made it a hit, and Simpson and Galton household names.

Alan Simpson retired in 1978, whilst Ray Galton continues to work widely. Perhaps it's this that makes Simpson the 'lesser' partner in people's minds, or perhaps it's merely an accident of names. Certainly there was never any question that they were equally responsible for their work.

Though he had other successes with other stars – Arthur Lowe, Frankie Howerd and many more, it's Steptoe that Alan Simpson will best be remembered for.