Paul Burrell prepared to pay tribute to Brookside star Dean Sullivan as he arrived at the late actor's funeral at Liverpool Parish Church on Tuesday.
The actor, known to millions as drug dealer Jimmy Corkhill in Channel 4 soap Brookside, died last month aged 68.
Dean publicly confirmed he was living with the disease in early May this year – five years after his original diagnosis.
Princess Diana's former butler Paul once claimed Brookside was her favorite TV show.
Photos of the soap star were shown on screens around the parish ahead of the 1pm service at Our Lady And St Nicholas.
Paul Burrell prepared to pay tribute to Brookside star Dean Sullivan as he arrived at the late actor's funeral at Liverpool Parish Church on Tuesday
On display was a service notice, a recent photo of the actor and the title “In gratitude for the life of Dean Sullivan.”
On display was a service notice, a recent photo of Dean and the caption: “In gratitude for the life of Dean Sullivan.”
A private cremation will follow the service, scheduled for 1 p.m.
A funeral notice published in the Liverpool Echo asked for donations to Prostate Cancer UK.
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.
His cause of death has not been confirmed.
Sullivan 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 actor, known to millions as drug dealer Jimmy Corkhill in Channel 4 soap Brookside, died last month aged 68
Princess Diana's former butler Paul once claimed Brookside was her favorite TV show
Photos of the soap star were shown on screens in the community
The service is scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. in the Church of Our Lady and St. Nicholas
A donation point has been set up within the venue
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, Sullivan shared how, during his poor health, he placed himself “in the hands of fate” and tried to move on with his life.
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 Sullivan 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.”
Dean is pictured with his Brookside wife Sue Jenkins in Liverpool in September
The actor, known to millions as drug dealer Jimmy Corkhill in Channel 4 soap Brookside, confirmed in May that he was living with the disease – five years after his original diagnosis (pictured with his co-stars Claire Sweeney, Sue Jenkins and George Christopher). )
The former Brookside actor was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and was finally discharged by his consultant last year after undergoing radiotherapy treatment
The soap star is pictured with Jodie Oram at the 1997 Miss Swindon Beauty Contest
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, Sullivan 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.”
Sullivan admitted that he didn't immediately share the news with loved ones or friends because he wasn't 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.”
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).
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.”
Sullivan, 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.
In June, Dean reunited with his Brookside daughter Claire Sweeney and wife Sue Jenkins for an appearance at the British Soap Awards
Sullivan, 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 (pictured with Paul Usher in 1997).
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.
Back in June, Dean reunited with his Brookside daughter Claire Sweeney, who played Lindsey Corkhill, and his wife Sue Jenkins, who played Jackie, for an appearance at the British Soap Awards.
As she posed for the family reunion, Claire, who played Lindsey on and off for 12 years, admitted it felt very “emotional”.
She took to Instagram alongside the couple and wrote: “This felt emotional now. “So happy to see @deansul @susie.jenks #brookside #family.”
Claire led the tribute to her dean on Thursday, posting on Instagram: “I'll miss you Dean, I love you.” It was wonderful to be reunited as a family at the Soap Awards this year. RIP Dean Sullivan.'