THE funeral of Wirral actor Dean Sullivan, who played Jimmy Corkhill in Channel Four soap Brookside, will take place later today (Tuesday, December 19).

The star, who had lived in New Brighton for many years, passed away on Wednesday, November 29.

His funeral service will take place at 1pm at Our Lady & St Nicholas, The Parish Church of Liverpool, Old Churchyard, Liverpool, L2 8TZ. The service will be followed by a private committal.

A statement from his agent his agent, Alan Hamilton read: "Dean's family have politely requested only family flowers please.

"Donation’s if desired should be made to Prostate Cancer UK. Dean’s family would like to thank the general public for their overwhelming messages of sympathy. Thank you."

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 brainchild of Grange Hill creator Phil Redmond, Brookside was launched in November 1982, with its houses situated in a real cul-de-sac – part of a housing estate in West Derby, Liverpool.

Wirral Globe: Dean Sullivan as Jimmy Corkhill in Brookside Dean Sullivan as Jimmy Corkhill in Brookside (Image: Channel Four Images)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.

Wirral Globe: The Corkhill family, played by (left to right) Claire Sweeney, Dean Sullivan, Sue Jenkins, and George Christopher, from BrooksideThe Corkhill family, played by (left to right) Claire Sweeney, Dean Sullivan, Sue Jenkins, and George Christopher, from Brookside (Image: Channel Four Images)

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."