Angela Rippon's heartbreaking tribute to 'irreplaceable' Timothy West after star's death

Timothy West: Stage and screen actor dead aged 90

Broadcaster and Alzheimer's campaigner Angela Rippon has expressed heartfelt sadness at the passing of beloved actor Timothy West, calling it a "huge loss to everybody... but particularly those who live with dementia".

Speaking to Times Radio hosts Jane Garvey and Fi Glover, Rippon paid tribute to West’s legacy, especially his role in supporting his wife, actress Prunella Scales, through her battle with dementia.

Beloved stage and screen actor Timothy, who was known for his roles in EastEnders, Coronation Street and other TV shows like Brass and Not Going Out, has died at the age of 90.

Rippon recalled West and Scales’ unique and inspiring journey, emphasising how the couple "did an amazing, amazing job of convincing people that dementia was not something that you should be always afraid of."

The BBC News star, who was awarded a CBE in 2017, claimed their candid approach to dementia, particularly showcased through their joint TV appearances, served as a comforting example for many facing the challenges of the condition.

Angela Rippon hailed Timothy West as an "irreplaceable loss" (Image: Getty)

Reflecting on the news, Rippon said: "I'm so saddened by that news because I think to everyone who knew them, it's unexpected. And I think what the wonderful thing was about their relationship was that Tim was Pru's carer and he grew into the world of dementia with her."

The former Strictly Come Dancing star continued: "He progressed in his knowledge of dementia as she progressed in the condition. And that's why I think the programmes that they did together, the ones particularly on their barges, were wonderful."

Rippon highlighted the couple's barge journey documentaries as pivotal in illustrating how someone living with dementia could still "enjoy the moment, enjoy the scenery, the experiences" and "have a proper conversation with her husband".

She also noted: "They could live well together. They lived well together with dementia."

Timothy was known for his roles in EastEnders, Coronation Street and other TV shows (Image: Getty)

Tim and his wife Prunella Scales (Image: Getty)

She praised the couple’s openness, saying: "Tim was never embarrassed and nor was Pru about the fact that they were living with dementia. They just went on in ensuring that Pru was able to live well with her condition."

The former Strictly star further explained: "The wonderful thing about the programmes was that dementia wasn't really an issue or a problem with them. They were wonderful in themselves as programmes, as documentaries, as trips down the canals with them but more than that, for people who lived with dementia, it was a perfect example of how someone living with dementia could live well with it."

Rippon gushed that West’s passing is a profound loss not only for Scales and their family but for "everybody who came to love and respect them, not just the general public, but particularly those who live with dementia."

She reiterated: "Timothy really will be a huge loss, obviously, to Pru, but I think a huge loss to everybody."