GLOBE readers have posted messages of condolence following the death of Wirral actor Dean Sullivan, who played Jimmy Corkhill in Channel Four soap Brookside.
The star, who had lived in New Brighton for many years, passed away on Wednesday (November 29), his agent confirmed yesterday.
Readers took to our Facebook page and website to express their sadness.
Among those paying tribute was J. Russell, who commented: "Oh no, how sad. He was often around on the bus with his nice dog and always friendly with people".
Maria Ellen White posted: "I was only talking to him the other month in the local. So sad. X"
Sarah Jarrold said: "So sad, my favourite in Brookside."
Phil Gwilliam commented: "Dean directed me in A play in Liverpool many years ago, he was a hard task masker but always fun to work with. And had some great stories .
"He will be missed.
"Love to all his friends and family. RIP Dean."
Sandra Culshaw put: "RIP. Sad news, Lovely man."
Paul Birks wrote: "RIP Jimmy lad."
Wirral actor Christopher Power commented: "We did a play titled "The Liverpool Passion," where he portrayed Pontius Pilate, and I played the antagonist Caiaphas.
"Dean was a gracious gentleman, and our conversations were truly enriching. May he rest in peace."
Related story: Wirral Brookside star Dean Sullivan dies aged 68
Liverpool-born Dean had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018.
He joined Channel 4 programme Brookside in 1986 and soon became a series regular due to the popularity of his character.
The show launched the careers of dozens of high-profile actors, including Amanda Burton, Claire Sweeney and Anna Friel.
The last episode was filmed in September 2003 and aired in November the same year – and it was Jimmy Corkhill’s face that last filled the screen.
Dean was a two-time British Soap Awards winner and had roles in other TV dramas, including BBC’s Doctors and ITV’s The Royal.
Earlier this year he spoke to New Brighton Radio about his love for the area. He said: "I remember when I was a child we’d come over from Liverpool on the ferry and visit the pier and the open air baths.
"Those were the Halcyon days. When I bought my house here almost 30 years ago the area had fell into decline and there wasn’t much going on at all really.
"But now, we’ve got a cinema, a theatre and beautiful restaurants. Then when you move inland and see what’s going on in Victoria Road — that is just amazing! It’s like the Lark Lane of Wirral with lots of lovely restaurant, bars and places to hang out.
"It’s fantastic for the area, for Wirral and for Liverpool."
A statement from his agent his agent, Alan Hamilton read: “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 ground-breaking ‘Brookside’ playing the role of ‘Jimmy Corkhill’, making Dean a British Soap icon.
"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."
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