ITV Coronation Street actor makes devastating announcement as co-star dies

Timothy West and Liam McCheyne in Last Tango in Halifax. (Image: Twitter/BBC)

Coronation Street actor Liam McCheyne has shared a heartfelt tribute following the death of his co-star, Timothy West. The pair starred together in the BBC drama, Last Tango in Halifax, and struck up a strong friendship.

It was announced on Wednesday that Timothy died peacefully in his sleep aged 90 “with his friends and family at the end”.

Dylan Wilson actor Liam, 17, has reacted to the sad news and reflected on the influence Timothy had on him.

He shared on Twitter: “Today, we received the devastating news that Timothy West had passed away this morning. Both me and my brother Connor had the privilege of sharing the screen with him during our time on Last Tango in Halifax.

“A true gentleman on and off screen, and someone who I admired dearly. He always gave his time, and looking back, now it's something I am hugely appreciative of. Tim really did inspire me to pursue my career as an actor and was one who always believed in me from being young.

Timothy West has died aged 90. (Image: Getty)

“A very special gentleman who touched the hearts of many. Sleep well, Tim.”

Alongside the emotional message, Liam shared a still from Last Tango in Halifax as his character Harrison sat on the beach with Ted, played by Timothy.

Timothy’s death was announced by his children Juliet, Samuel and Joseph, who said in a statement: ”After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old.

"Tim was with friends and family at the end.

"He leaves his wife, Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly."

Timothy West and Prunella Scales were married for 61 years. (Image: Getty)

Timothy and Prunella, 92, married in 1963 after the breakdown of his marriage to first wife, Jacqueline Boyer.

The couple appeared in the documentary series Great Canal Journeys between 2014 and 2019, travelling on narrowboats together across Europe.

Prunella, who played Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, announced her retirement in 2019 following her vascular dementia diagnosis.

Timothy is also well known for his roles in Brass (1982-1990), Not Going Out (2007-2009), Coronation Street (2013) and EastEnders (2014-2015).

Timothy West: Stage and screen actor dead aged 90

In tribute to West, an EastEnders spokesperson said: "We are extremely saddened to hear that Timothy West has passed away.

"Timothy joined EastEnders as Stan and his presence as the patriarch of the Carter family was immediately felt.

"Timothy was instantly loved and adored by all those that worked with him at EastEnders and he will forever be in our hearts.

"We send all our love and thoughts to Timothy's family and friends."