'Absolutely perfect': Fawlty star Prunella Scales dies aged 93

Prunella Scales, the actor best known for playing Sybil Fawlty in the classic comedy series Fawlty Towers, has died aged 93.

- Hannah J Davies Nadia Khomami

Scales, who was married to fellow actor Timothy West, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2013.

The actor died peacefully at home in London on Monday, her sons, Samuel and Joseph, said.

A statement to PA said: "Our darling mother Prunella Scales died peacefully at home in London yesterday. She was 93. Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home. She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died. Pru was married to Timothy West for 61 years. He died in November 2024.

"She is survived by two sons and one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

"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."

Scales, who was born in Surrey in 1932, began her career as an assistant stage manager for the Bristol Old Vic theatre, having studied at its associated drama school. Her mother, Catherine, was an actor and her father, John, was a cotton salesman who loved the theatre.