Legendary Fawlty Towers star John Cleese leads tribute to sitcom co-star Prunella Scales

John Cleese has led tributes to Prunella Scales who has died at the age of 93.

The Fawlty Towers legend hailed his BBC sitcom co-star and on-screen wife as "a really wonderful comic actress," adding: "Scene after scene she was absolutely perfect."

The Basil Fawlty actor, 86, is one of many names from the showbiz world who have paid their respects to the Sybil Fawlty actress - who passed away peacefully at her home in London on Monday (27.10.25) after a battle with dementia.

Taking to X, Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, 77, captioned a photo of Prunella with Queen Camilla, 78, writing: "This is a snap I took last year of Prunella Scales with Queen Camilla … What a wonderful actress: what a funny, intelligent, interesting, gifted human being. Blessed with a wonderful marriage to Tim [West]."

Also on X, Former Sky News presenter Kay Burley, 64, wrote: "Good night Prunella Scales. One of the finest comedic actresses of our time.

"Her sharp wit and impeccable delivery made Fawlty Towers unforgettable."

And Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, said in a statement: "All of us at BBC Comedy are so sorry to hear of Prunella Scales’ passing.

"She was a national treasure whose brilliance as Sybil Fawlty lit up screens and still makes us laugh today.

"We send our love and condolences to her family and friends."

Prunella was diagnosed with vascular dementia - a common form of the degenerative condition that causes a decline in thinking, memory, and reasoning skills - in 2013.

The star met her husband, Timothy West - who died in November 2024 aged 90 - whilst filming the BBC television play She Died Young in 1961.

The couple - who got married in 1963 - went on to feature in the Channel 4 series Great Canal Journeys from 2014 to 2019.

It followed the duo as they traveled via canals and narrowboats across the UK and Europe.

However, Prunella's declining health saw the couple depart the show in 2019, with Timothy explaining that her dementia had worsened in the final series and that she was losing her hearing.

She died on Monday, but her death was announced on Tuesday (28.10.25).

Her sons, Samuel and Joseph, said in a joint statement: "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."