A PRODUCER who filmed gritty reality TV shows about drugs and unemployment died after overdosing on strong painkiller, an inquest heard yesterday.

Gordon Wilson, 47, worked most recently on Channel 4’s reality documentary Skint, set in Scunthorpe – which pulled in millions of viewers in May.

The father-of-three was due in Scunthorpe for the TV show when he was found dead at his Oxford home in Gordon Street in January this year.

His body was found on January 25, four days after he was last seen, after worried friends James Blunall and Paul Dolton forced entry through a window, Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court was told.

A statement by Mr Dolton said Mr Wilson had recently split with his partner.

It stated: “He was a bit down regarding the break-up but seemed generally ok in himself.”

Thames Valley Police arrived at the scene at about 10.10am, the court heard.

A statement by Pc David Smith said a mixture of drugs were found in a biscuit tin in the home.

In a statement read out to the court, his GP Dr Tom Nichols said Mr Wilson had admitted a history of drug-taking but had said last year he had been clean for many years.

Assistant deputy coroner Peter Clark said the cause of death was dihydrocodeine toxicity – a lethal dose of the strong painkiller was found in his system. It had not been prescribed to him by Dr Nichols. Diazepam and cannabinoids – indicating cannabis use – were also found in his system but were not at a level dangerous enough to cause death.

But a statement by pathologist Ian Roberts said the amount of dihydrocodeine “was consistent with an overdose of this drug”.

Between 2mg and 3mg per litre found in the system could cause death, and 2.2mg had been found in Mr Wilson’s toxicology tests.

Mr Clark said there was not enough evidence to record anything other than an open verdict.

He said: “There is no evidence of any deliberate actions and no reports of suicide threats.

“There is clearly the issue of abuse of drugs or accidental death, but on this evidence we simply do not know.”

Mr Wilson’s son John Wilson and daughter Donna Wilson were at the inquest.

Mr Clark told them: “I know some of the details must be upsetting. I would like to express my personal condolences to family and friends. It has clearly been a difficult time for all concerned.”