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Brookside’s Dean Sullivan, who played Jimmy Corkhill on the Channel 4 soap for almost 20 years between 1986 and 2003, sadly died this week following a “short illness”. Now, his co-star Michael Starke, who played Thomas ‘Sinbad’ Sweeney right until the end of the soap, has honoured his life with an emotional tribute.
Taking to Twitter (X), Michael – who first joined Brookside way back in 1982 – made it clear that his late pal had made a huge impression. “RIP Old pal. I got to say goodbye one last time,” he wrote.
“Lovely memories and unforgettable adventures. To all of his many friends and family. From mine to yours.” The pair had been long-time pals on the soap, and it has now emerged that they seemed to have been bosom buddies off-screen too.
Meanwhile, it wasn’t just Michael who spoke out after Dean’s death, as a string of other celebrity names took to social media too. Family Fortunes star Les Dennis, who became the first Strictly Come Dancing contestant to exit the show this year, had mourned the death of his pal Jake Abraham of Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels just a month earlier.
Today, he revealed his sadness at losing yet another co-star prematurely. “So terribly sad to hear that lovely Dean Sullivan has died,” he tweeted.
“I did a short stint on Brookside and he welcomed me with open arms. A lovely, funny, charming man.
“He’s left us far too soon,” he lamented, before adding: “Thoughts with his friends and family.”
Les had met Dean after landing a part as businessman Bill Evans in the soap back in 2001, something which had made waves among fans.
Producer Paul Marquess apparently spoke for many when he exclaimed excitedly: “I’m delighted that Les is dropping in to Brookside Close. As one of the country’s most famous Liverpudlians, it’s probably long overdue.”
Meanwhile, Dean’s on-screen son James in the soap, played by actor George Christopher, also had glowing praise for him after the news of his death.
“My role as Jimmy’s troubled son was very demanding, I learnt so much from him in every scene. He was a natural actor who excelled just at the right times,” he reminisced.
Heartbeat star Tricia Penrose, who recently filmed a Celebrity Antiques Roadshow episode with Dean, said she was “heartbroken” to hear of his death.
Meanwhile, even Liverpool City Council left a poignant tribute to the city’s native icon, writing: “A passionate scouser & champion of our cultural scene, he’ll be greatly missed. Our sympathies to his family & friends.”
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Source: NewsFinale
