John Cleese<\/a> has led tributes to Prunella Scales who has died at the age of 93.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
John Cleese has paid tribute to his Fawlty Towers on-screen wife and co-star Prunella Scales<\/p>\n
The Fawlty Towers legend hailed his BBC sitcom co-star and on-screen wife as “a really wonderful comic actress,” adding: “Scene after scene she was absolutely perfect.”<\/p>\n
The Basil Fawlty actor, 86, is one of many names from the showbiz world who have paid their respects to the Sybil Fawlty actress – who passed away peacefully at her home in London on Monday (27.10.25) after a battle with dementia.<\/p>\n
Taking to X, Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, 77, captioned a photo of Prunella with Queen Camilla, 78, writing: “This is a snap I took last year of Prunella Scales with Queen Camilla \u2026 What a wonderful actress: what a funny, intelligent, interesting, gifted human being. Blessed with a wonderful marriage to Tim [West].”<\/p>\n
Also on X, Former Sky News presenter Kay Burley, 64, wrote: “Good night Prunella Scales. One of the finest comedic actresses of our time. <\/p>\n
\n“Her sharp wit and impeccable delivery made Fawlty Towers unforgettable.”<\/p>\n
\nAnd Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, said in a statement: “All of us at BBC Comedy are so sorry to hear of Prunella Scales\u2019 passing. <\/p>\n
\n“She was a national treasure whose brilliance as Sybil Fawlty lit up screens and still makes us laugh today. <\/p>\n
\n“We send our love and condolences to her family and friends.”<\/p>\n
\nPrunella was diagnosed with vascular dementia – a common form of the degenerative condition that causes a decline in thinking, memory, and reasoning skills – in 2013.<\/p>\n
\nThe star met her husband, Timothy West – who died in November 2024 aged 90 – whilst filming the BBC television play She Died Young in 1961.<\/p>\n
\nThe couple – who got married in 1963 – went on to feature in the Channel 4 series Great Canal Journeys from 2014 to 2019.<\/p>\n
\nIt followed the duo as they traveled via canals and narrowboats across the UK and Europe.<\/p>\n
\nHowever, Prunella’s declining health saw the couple depart the show in 2019, with Timothy explaining that her dementia had worsened in the final series and that she was losing her hearing.<\/p>\n
\nShe died on Monday, but her death was announced on Tuesday (28.10.25).<\/p>\n
\nHer sons, Samuel and Joseph, said in a joint statement: “Our darling mother Prunella Scales died peacefully at home in London yesterday. She was 93.<\/p>\n
\n“Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home.<\/p>\n
\n“She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died. Pru was married to Timothy West for 61 years. He died in November 2024.<\/p>\n
\n“She is survived by two sons and one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.<\/p>\n
\n“We would like to thank all those who gave Pru such wonderful care at the end of her life: her last days were comfortable, contented and surrounded by love.”<\/p>\n
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