Manx writer's horrifying TV creation turns 60

It’s 60 years since a Manx writer terrified Britain with a groundbreaking television show which set the scene for programmes such as Dr Who.

On July 18 in 1953, the first episode of the Quatermass Experiment was shown on the BBC – written by Nigel Kneale.

He grew up on the Island and became an advocate, but gave up the law and became a writer.

Over the course of his career, he won the Somerset Maugham Award, was twice nominated for the British Film Awards and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Horror Writers Association.

Nigel Kneale’s creation proved hugely influential with figures estimating 3.9 million people watched it.

At the time, only four million people had televisions.

The tale of an alien invasion in central London captivated Britain and when it was shown each Saturday for six weeks it emptied pubs and streets.

The serial spawned sequels and even movie adaptations, securing Nigel Kneale’s place in television history. He died in 2006 at the age of 84.