DEAN Sullivan, who played Jimmy Corkhill in Channel Four soap opera Brookside, has died.

The New Brighton actor, who played Jimmy Corkhill in the series, passed away yesterday his agent, Alan Hamilton confirmed today.

A statement from Mr Hamilton read: “It is with deep sadness we must tell you that actor Dean Sullivan passed away on 29th November 2023 peacefully following a short illness.

"Dean is best remembered as the longest serving cast member of Channel 4’s ground-breaking ‘Brookside’ playing the role of ‘Jimmy Corkhill’, making Dean a British Soap icon.

"To millions he was and very much still is remembered as ‘Jimmy’, to family and friends he was ‘Dino’.

"Dean’s family wants to thank Arrowe Park Hospital for their unwavering and consistent support. We ask that you respect their privacy in their time of grief."

St Helens Star: The Corkhill family, played by (left to right) Claire Sweeney, Dean Sullivan, Sue Jenkins, and George Christopher, from BrooksideThe Corkhill family, played by (left to right) Claire Sweeney, Dean Sullivan, Sue Jenkins, and George Christopher, from Brookside (Image: Picture: Channel Four Images)

Dean had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018. 

Sullivan joined Channel 4 programme Brookside in 1986 and soon became a series regular due to the popularity of his character.

Brookside, the brainchild of Grange Hill creator Phil Redmond, launched in November 1982, with its houses situated in a real cul-de-sac – part of a housing estate in West Derby, Liverpool.

The show launched the careers of dozens of high-profile actors, including Amanda Burton, Claire Sweeney and Anna Friel.

The last episode was filmed in September 2003 and aired in November the same year – and it was Jimmy Corkhill’s face that last filled the screen.

Sullivan said at the time: “I will miss it but I won’t miss my life being completely controlled by my answer machine. It’s rather like being released from prison.

“Last week I started growing my sideburns and I’ve never been able to do that before.”

Sullivan was a two-time British Soap Awards winner and had roles in other TV dramas, including BBC’s Doctors and ITV’s The Royal.

Although born in Liverpool, Sullivan had lived in New Brighton for many years.

Earlier this year he spoke to New Brighton Radio about his love for the area.

He said: "I remember when I was a child we’d come over from Liverpool on the ferry and visit the pier and the open air baths. Those were the Halcyon days.

"When I bought my house here almost 30 years ago the area had fell into decline and there wasn’t much going on at all really.

"But now, we’ve got a cinema, a theatre and beautiful restaurants. Then when you move inland and see what’s going on in Victoria Road — that is just amazing! It’s like the Lark Lane of Wirral with lots of lovely restaurant, bars and places to hang out. It’s fantastic for the area, for Wirral and for Liverpool."