An inquest has launched into actor Timothy West's death(Image: Getty Images)

Timothy West inquest reveals tragic new details of actor's death aged 90

28 Nov 2024, 08:23 by Mia O'Hare · Irish Mirror

Actor Timothy West died earlier this month as an inquest into his death has been launched.

The Coronation Street and EastEnders star died aged 90 on November 12. At the time, his children Juliet, Samuel and Joseph West said in a statement: “After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old.

" Tim was with friends and family at the end. He leaves his wife Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly. We would like to thank the incredible NHS staff at St George’s Hospital, Tooting and at Avery Wandsworth for their loving care during his last days."

This week, Assistant Coroner Jean Harkin launched the inquest into his death at Westminster Coroner's Court, where it was revealed Timothy died in a care home. She said: "The deceased was identified as Timothy West, a British citizen, aged 90 years, born on October 20, 1934 in Bradford. He was an actor, husband of Prunella West."

The actor was formally identified "by a care home nurse who knew the deceased since the time of admission to the care home". The inquest into Timothy's death has been adjourned for a review in February 2025. Timothy, who played Danny Dyer 's character Mick's dad/grandad on EastEnders, was remembered by those working on the BBC soap.

Timothy died earlier this month at the age of 90(Image: Getty Images)

A statement from EastEnders read: "We are extremely saddened to hear that Timothy West has passed away. Timothy joined EastEnders as Stan and his presence as the patriarch of the Carter family was immediately felt. He will forever be in our hearts. We send all our love and thoughts to Timothy’s family and friends."

The late actor spent his final years caring for his beloved wife Prunella as she adapted to living alongside dementia. Prunella was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014, but her husband Timothy noticed the signs back in 2001 after going to see her in a theatre production.

Timothy West passed away at the age of 90 on November 12, leaving behind his wife Prunella Scales, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014(Image: PA)

After being together for six decades, Timothy gave a rare interview in November 2023, where he confessed it "isn't going to get better." "It hasn't really been hard work has it?," he told BBC Breakfast, before his wife, aged 91, chimed in: "No, he is the person I love and I enjoy being with..." to which he responded: "That is about it I think!" Discussing when he first noticed his wife's deterioration, he said: "I came to see a play that Pru was doing in Greenwich.

"I went to see the first night and it was good, much enjoyed by the audience and then I went to see it again and I thought 'She's not totally with it'. We went to see a specialist and he said I am sorry this is just something that happens to you when you get older. It is not going to get any easier but we cope with it and we manage."

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