Paul Burrell revealed after Dean Sullivan's funeral on Tuesday that the Brookside star and Diana, Princess of Wales had a budding friendship and “made her laugh.”
The former royal butler, 65, said Diana was a “fan” of the star's hit TV show, which last aired 20 years ago, and paid a secret visit to the set.
The late actor Dean, known to millions as drug dealer Jimmy Corkhill in Channel 4 soap Brookside, died last month aged 68 after battling prostate cancer.
Paul explained that it was during her secret visit that the Princess met Paul and began their blossoming friendship, which led to phone calls to the palace.
He said, 'They formed a friendship.' I was the leader of that friendship, and when the princess died, Dean came to me to mourn the princess with me.”
Paul Burrel revealed after Dean Sullivan's funeral on Tuesday that the Brookside star and Diana, Princess of Wales had a budding friendship and made her “laugh.”
The late actor Dean, known to millions as drug dealer Jimmy Corkhill in Channel 4 soap Brookside, died last month aged 68 after battling prostate cancer
Former royal butler Paul, 65, said Diana (pictured in 1985) was a “fan” of the star's hit TV show, which last aired 20 years ago, and paid a secret visit to the set
He described Sullivan as a “warm, gentle and kind person.”
He added: “I'm here to represent not only myself but also the princess above because she wants me to be here.”
“I think it’s appropriate that I say goodbye to Dean. We will miss him.'
Speaking about when the two would make calls to and from the palace, Paul said: “I would put the call through and listen to all the laughter upstairs.”
“He made her laugh.”
He said Diana sent Sullivan, whom he described as a “great royalist,” a signed photo of herself and wrote to him many times.
He added: “I think he valued the relationship with her.”
Dean publicly confirmed he was living with the disease in May this year – five years after his original diagnosis.
Paul explained that it was during her secret visit that the Princess met Paul and began their blossoming friendship, which led to phone calls to the palace
A service notice showed a recent photo of the actor and was captioned, “In gratitude for the life of Dean Sullivan.”
The actor confirmed in May that he had prostate cancer – five years after his original diagnosis (pictured with his co-stars Claire Sweeney, Sue Jenkins and George Christopher).
Photos of the soap star were shown on screens around the parish ahead of the 1pm service at Our Lady And St Nicholas.
On display was a service notice, a recent photo of Dean and the caption: “In gratitude for the life of Dean Sullivan.”
The service was followed by a private cremation.
A funeral notice published in the Liverpool Echo asked for donations to Prostate Cancer UK.
Paul was in attendance after claiming Brookside was Princess Diana's favorite TV show.
He told Digital Spy: “She went to the set of Brookside and got to know some of the cast very well, especially Dean. “He became a friend who she called regularly.”
Dean was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and spoke to the Mirror in 2019 about his treatment and diagnosis.
A statement from Dean's family confirmed the sad news of his death on Thursday. “It is with deep sadness that we inform you that actor Dean Sullivan passed away peacefully on November 29, 2023 after a short illness.
“Millions of people called him “Jimmy” and still remember him, to family and friends he was “Dino.” “Dean’s family would like to thank Arrowe Park Hospital for their unwavering and consistent support.”
“We ask that you respect her privacy during her time of mourning,” read the message from Hamilton Management and his family.
Dean was due to appear in a Southport production of Jack and the Beanstalk from December 7th, but pulled out on November 17th due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
The former Brookside actor was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and was finally discharged by his consultant last year after undergoing radiotherapy treatment.
Looking back on his battle with the illness in August, Dean shared how, during his poor health, he put himself “in the hands of fate” and tried to move on with his life.
A donation point for Prostate Cancer UK has been set up within the venue
Photos of the soap star were shown on screens inside the church
Dean's coffin was decorated with floral decorations
The 1pm service took place at Our Lady And St Nicholas Church in Liverpool
A horse-drawn carriage led the funeral procession that arrived for the funeral of Brookside actor Dean
Flower gifts were arranged with “Brother” and “Deano” written on them.
In 2019, Sullivan opened up about his Shell Shock cancer diagnosis, admitting that he never thought he had a problem with his prostate as he didn't show many of the typical symptoms (pictured in 2016).
Dean, from Liverpool, joined Brookside in 1986, four years after its launch, and remained with the soap until it was canceled in 2003
He told the Liverpool Echo: “The way I dealt with it was I just put myself in the hands of fate. “If this was my time, then this was my time, so I was quite philosophical really.
“I know people would be terrified, so to speak, but I'm not that kind of person. I try to look at things positively and just got on with my life.”
Liverpool-born Dean said he didn't show most of the symptoms of prostate cancer other than reduced blood flow.
However, he felt something was wrong and went to the doctor who just told him to keep an eye on it, but a few weeks later he went back to another doctor.
He said: “If I had listened to the first doctor it might have been a different story, so always trust your gut. 11 times out of 10 you're right, we still have that fight or flight instinct.”'
The Atkinson Theater, where he was scheduled to perform for three weeks, confirmed his departure in a tweet shortly after his withdrawal.
They wrote: “There was a change to the line-up at this year’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.
“Dean Sullivan will no longer appear in the role of Fleshcreep as previously announced and the role will now be played by Mark Paterson.”
The actor admitted that early detection was key to his successful radiotherapy treatment and urged other people to get checked if they have concerns.
In 2019, Dean opened up about his Shell Shock cancer diagnosis, admitting that he never thought he had a problem with his prostate since he didn't show many of the typical symptoms.
He told The Mirror at the time: “I remember being a little shocked actually because although we know these days that one in three people will be diagnosed with some kind of cancer, you never think it will be you.”
Dean admitted that he didn't immediately share the news with loved ones or friends because he's not the type of person to elicit “support” from his friends.
He informed some close friends and family of the news, explaining, “You're the one who lives with it and deals with it, and my way of dealing with it was to not let it become a major part of my life.”
He added: “Also, there are times when you think, 'I don't want to tell this story again,' so only my closest family and friends knew.” It was one of those where I thought, “Just do it further and what will be will be.”
Dean, from Liverpool, joined Brookside in 1986, four years after its launch, and remained with the soap until it was canceled in 2003.
He was at the center of many of the soap's most memorable storylines – including the moment Jimmy discovered the body of villain Trevor Jordache under a terrace two years after his murder.
Dean won two British Soap Awards during his time on the show – including a special recognition award – and held the record for having directed more episodes than any other actor on the show.
He also appeared in the BBC series Doctors, the ITV series The Royal and the ITV series Crime Stories. His most recent roles included an appearance in the 2022 Netflix short film Forgotten Word.
The actor also appeared on stage, playing Scullery in the North West premiere of Jim Cartwright's Road in Bolton and starred in a one-man monologue tour of Alan Bennett's Chip In The Sugar.
Dean made his final television appearance on Celebrity Antique Road Trip in June 2023.
In the new episode 'Antique Road Trip' he competed on the show against Heartbeat icon Tricia Penrose, who traveled around Britain with antique experts in search of treasures before competing to make the most money at an auction.
The BBC show confirmed that they had permission from Dean's family to air the episode.
On
“With his family's blessing, the episode we recorded with Dean and his long-time friend @triciapenrose will air as planned tonight.” They later added: “We hope you enjoy the program and our thoughts are in “This moment with Dean’s family and friends.”
In June, Dean made his final television appearance on Celebrity Antique Road Trip
The BBC show confirmed that they had permission from Dean's family to air the episode