This Morning hosts halt show for breaking update ‘we’re starting with sad news’

This Morning aired some heartbreaking news on Tuesday’s show

This Morning presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary interrupted Tuesday’s programme to deliver some sad breaking news.

The duo revealed that Fawlty Towers legend Prunella Scales, famed for her role as Sybil, had passed away aged 93, before offering an emotional tribute.

The beloved actress died “peacefully at home in London yesterday”, according to her sons Samuel and Joseph.

A statement read: “Our darling mother Prunella Scales died peacefully at home in London yesterday. She was 93.

“Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home. She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died.”, reports Wales Online.

Fawlty Towers star Prunella Scales, who played Sybil, had died aged 93 (
Image:
ITV)
“Pru was married to Timothy West for 61 years. He died in November 2024. She is survived by two sons and one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

“We would like to thank all those who gave Pru such wonderful care at the end of her life: her last days were comfortable, contented and surrounded by love.”

Discussing the devastating news, Dermot, 52, said: “Now we’re starting with sad news that’s just come out, actress Prunella Scales has died aged 93.”

He continued: “What a titan of acting and specifically comedy acting!”.

This Morning contributor Nick Ferrari remarked: “It’s worth noting that of course she was devoted to Timothy West, her husband.

This Morning halted Tuesday’s show to share some sad breaking death news (
Image:
ITV)
“I think they were married for 60 years. He died almost exactly a year ago, it’s almost 12 months, so huge condolences to their two sons” whilst Alison, 50, also added: “Condolences to the family.”

Prunella’s Fawlty Towers character, Sybil, was the long-suffering wife of Basil Fawlty, played by John Cleese, in a show that won the BAFTA for best scripted comedy in 1976.

This year marked 50 years since the comedy show first appeared on screens.

Prunella’s husband Timothy West, who died in November 2024, starred in TV shows such as comedy drama Brass, sitcom Not Going Out and soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders.

In celebration of their diamond anniversary, Timothy penned the memoir Pru And Me: A Love Story, charting the course of their life, including Prunella’s dementia diagnosis.