“Though dementia pressured her retirement from a exceptional performing profession of almost 70 years, she continued to reside at residence. She was watching Fawlty Towers the day earlier than she died.”

It comes after her on-screen husband, John Cleese, shared a heartfelt message to her household following her dying. Prunella was finest recognized for her function as Sybil in Fawlty Towers, the strict spouse of Basil Fawlty within the beloved ‘70s sitcom.

The actor described Prunella as a “actually fantastic comedian actress,” including: “Scene after scene, she was completely excellent.” Prunella was married to Timothy West for 61 years and is survived by two sons and one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

September 19, 2025, marked 50 years because the first episode of Fawlty Towers aired. On the core of the present have been the hilarious antics of lodge proprietor Basil Fawlty, his affected person spouse Sybil, intelligent chambermaid Pollie, performed by Connie Sales space, and the bumbling Spanish waiter, Manuel.

It could have been off the air since 1979, however Fawlty Towers grew to become a cornerstone for British comedy sitcoms. It spawned a profitable theatre manufacturing, followers worldwide nonetheless love the present, and a reboot of the programme, created by Cleese and his daughter Camilla, was introduced in 2023.

When Fawlty Towers first started, Prunella was already a star of the stage and display. Because the programme ended, she has appeared in films corresponding to Howards Finish and The Hound of the Baskervilles.

After a number of movie, in 2003, Prunella appeared as Hilda, spouse of Horace Rumpole in 4 BBC Radio 4 performs, along with her real-life husband, Timothy West, enjoying her fictional husband.

After the information of her dying hit the headlines, Jon Petrie, director of comedy on the BBC, paid tribute to the late star. He mentioned: “All of us at BBC Comedy are so sorry to listen to of Prunella Scales’ passing.

She was a nationwide treasure whose brilliance as Sybil Fawlty lit up screens and nonetheless makes us snigger right now. We ship out love and condolences to her household and mates.”

Many followers additionally despatched their condolences on-line, as one individual wrote: “Legend. Might she relaxation in peace”, whereas one other added: “She was an underrated actress by many. The chemistry between Prunella and John was the mainstay of the present. RIP Prunella, and also you received’t ever be forgotten.”