AN AWARD-WINNING composer who wrote the Who Wants to be a Millionaire theme tune has died suddenly at home.
Tributes are being paid to Matthew Strachan, 50, who also contributed music to programmes including the BBC’s Question Time and Winning Lines.
He won 12 awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, 10 of which were for the famous ITV1 quiz show’s soundtrack.
A pal told The Sun: “Matthew was a troubled soul but an incredibly gifted man.
“He was gentle and kind but endured an ongoing struggle with his inner demons. It is tragic he couldn’t be at peace.”
Composer pal Dirk Maggs said on Twitter: “Goodbye dear friend and massive talent Matthew Strachan. A gentle, kind, talented and wickedly funny Prince.”
London Ambulance Service confirmed they were called to Mr Strachan’s address in Twickenham where his body was found.
A spokesperson said: “We sent an ambulance crew, two medics in cars, and a hazardous area response team.
“Sadly, a person had died at the scene.”
Scotland Yard told The Sun: “Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at 11:03hrs to a residential address at Chudleigh Road, Twickenham to reports of a sudden death.
“Officers and the LAS attended and a man, in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The death is not thought to be suspicious.
“A file will be prepared for the coroner.”
West London Coroner said: “We are conducting an investigation into the death of Mr Strachan.
“A post mortem has taken place and we are awaiting toxicology and histology results. Once we have the results the pathologist will be able to finalise their report and hopefully ascertain the cause of death.”
Mr Strachan died less than a month after being given a suspended prison sentence for setting fire to his own home.
In August, Philip McGhee, mitigating, told Kingston Crown Court that Strachan’s colleagues in the music industry have written references describing his “incredible talent”.
“He is described in high praise indeed by those who know him as an incredible music talent, incredibly talented, someone of repute and a talented composer.”
