Neil John Reading, a prominent public relations executive known for his work with some of Britain's leading entertainment figures, died on July 29, 2026, following a brief illness. He was 56.

Born in Beckenham, Kent, in 1969, Reading developed an early interest in the performing arts, participating in school productions at Ravens Wood School in Bromley and taking classes at the Patricia Hammond School of Dramatic Art. Despite initial ambitions to pursue acting, his career path shifted when he entered the public relations field in the early 1990s.

Reading began his PR career after leaving a marketing position at Underwoods, a retail chain acquired by Boots, which led to his redundancy. He leveraged early contacts with publicity departments at Twentieth Century Fox and CBS Records, eventually securing a role at Beer Davies Publicity through a connection with established PR executive Mark Borkowski. His early assignments proved challenging, but he quickly built a reputation through clients including magazine titles like Viz and Hello!, television programs such as Channel 4’s The Word, and performers like Rory Bremner and Victoria Wood—the latter becoming a longtime client and close friend until her passing in 2016.

In 1992, Reading departed from his employer due to differing professional approaches and decided to establish his own agency. His reputation and client base grew rapidly, allowing him to move his business to a prestigious Mayfair address. Known for his personal and round-the-clock service, Reading specialized in “personal PR,” representing a diverse roster of talent that included Jonathan Ross, Michael Flatley, Jack Dee, Lee Evans, Ben Elton, John Cleese, Dawn French, and Lenny Henry. He also extended his expertise beyond entertainment, acting as a consultant for Greenpeace and managing publicity for major West End productions like the Only Fools and Horses musical and the stage adaptation of Fawlty Towers.

Colleagues and clients described Reading as a discreet and dedicated professional, capable of navigating both crisis management and positive media campaigns with equal skill. He cultivated extensive relationships with key media figures, helping shape public perceptions while maintaining a low personal profile. His ability to protect clients’ reputations earned praise from those he represented—Dawn French described him as an “ally and fierce protector,” while John Cleese acknowledged his support in managing difficult media interactions. Industry insiders and journalists echoed these sentiments, commending his integrity and professionalism.

Despite this high-profile client list, Reading remained largely unknown to the general public, favoring effective, behind-the-scenes work over personal publicity. His agency also worked with corporate clients across various sectors, including business, property, fashion, and hospitality, broadening his influence in the PR industry.

Reading is survived by his wife, Claire (née Stuart), whom he married in 2014, and their daughter, Rosa. His lasting legacy is one of loyalty, discretion, and a profound commitment to his clients and craft.