Prunella Scales has died aged 93

Prunella Scales has passed away.

The English performer, best known for portraying Sybil Fawlty in the sitcom Fawlty Towers, has died at the age of 93.

A statement released by her sons, actor Samuel West and Joseph West, 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. 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.”

She was married to the late actor Timothy West for 61 years, until he passed in November 2024. Together, they appeared on stage in Big In Brazil at the Old Vic in 1984.

Scales began her stage career at the Bristol Old Vic before being twice nominated for an Olivier Award. First in 1980 for Make and Break and in 1990 for Single Spies.

Her last stage role was in Carrie’s War at the Apollo Theatre in the West End in 2009.

This story is being updated live.