The details of Brookside legend Dean Sullivan's funeral have been released.
The actor is renowned for his iconic portrayal of Jimmy Corkhill in the Channel 4 programme. A statement was issued by his agent, Alan Hamilton, to confirm he died on November 29 aged 68.
It said: “It is with deep sadness we must tell you that actor Dean Sullivan passed away on 29th November 2023 peacefully following a short illness. Dean is best remembered as the longest serving cast member of Channel 4’s groundbreaking ‘Brookside’ playing the role of ‘Jimmy Corkhill’, making Dean a British Soap icon.
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"To millions he was and very much still is remembered as ‘Jimmy’, to family and friends he was ‘Dino’. Dean’s family wants to thank Arrowe Park Hospital for their unwavering and consistent support.
"We ask that you respect their privacy in their time of grief."
Plans for the Brookside star's funeral have now been publicly released. He will be laid to rest at St Nicholas Parish Church at 1pm on Tuesday, December 19. This will be followed by a private cremation.
The death notice reads: "Dean Sullivan will be very sadly missed by all his loving family and friends. Service as St Nicholas Parish Church, Pier Head on Tuesday 19 December at 1pm followed by private cremation.
"Family flowers only please, donations if desired to Prostate Cancer UK."
Following the news of his death, friends and fans took to social media to pay tribute to Dean's legacy. Jonathan Harvey said: "I do love a soap icon, and they didn’t come more iconic than Jimmy Corkhill. What terribly sad news. Beloved actor Dean Sullivan has passed away. My thoughts are with his many friends and family xx"
Lewis added: "Really sad to hear Dean Sullivan has died, Jimmy Corkhill was a cracking character in Brookside and a proper soap icon. RIP, Dean." Lee posted: "Saddened to hear of the passing of the Brookside actor Dean Sullivan who played Jimmy Corkhill my condolences to his family and friends rest in peace Dean Sullivan"
Dean, who lived in New Brighton, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018. Earlier this year he spoke to the ECHO about his battle and warned others to seek help if they found something wrong.
He said: "As with many cancers, if they are caught early, they are treatable. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago and I remember being quite upset.
"A nurse actually said to me the advances that have been made in diagnosing and treating breast cancer in the last 25 years have been enormous and, as it turns out, my sister has had the all clear as well." He added: "The message is get in there early and get checked out if you are 50 and over."
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