Dean Sullivan hailed as 'greatest soap star' in heartbreaking tributes as Brookside's Jimmy Corkhill actor dies aged 68 | The Sun

TRIBUTES have come rushing in after it was revealed that Brookside legend Dean Sullivan has died aged 68.

The actor, who played Jimmy Corkhill in the popular soap between 1986 and 2003, passed away aged 68 peacefully in his sleep following a short illness.

Many have taken to social media to pay their respects to Dean after feeling heartbroken by the news.

His Brookside co-star Alex Fletcher, who played Jacqui Dixon in the show, wrote: "So many great memories on & off screen RIP Deano goodnight God Bless 💔."

Lindsey Corkhill actress Claire Sweeney added: "I will miss you Dean,Love you.

"It was wonderful to be reunited together as a family this year for the Soap Awards. RIP Dean Sullivan 💔."

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Emmerdale and Corrie actress Hayley Soraya wrote in the comments section: "Oh this is sad news."

They rushed to X to pay tribute to the soap legend, with one saying: "Jimmy Corkhill was always the greatest ever soap character for me. Said it many times. RIP Dean Sullivan."

One wrote: "I do love a soap icon, and they didn’t come more iconic than Jimmy Corkhill. What terribly sad news. Beloved actor Dean Sullivan has passed away. My thoughts are with his many friends and family xx."

Another added: "Jimmy Corkhill remains one of the most iconic soap characters ever, years after Brookside finished. RIP Dean Sullivan."

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A third chimed in: "RIP Dean Sullivan A remarkable actor, and responsible for one of the finest characters and most memorable scenes in British TV. A tragedy."

Dean's agent shared the heartbreaking news this morning.

The statement read: "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."

Dean's death has not yet been confirmed.

The soap legend was the longest-serving cast member on Brookside.

His alter-ego was only supposed to appear on Channel 4 soap for six episodes, but was kept on because of how much viewers loved his character.

Earlier this year Dean shared that he had been battling prostrate cancer for five years.

Previously speaking about his diagnosis, he told the Liverpool Echo: "The way I dealt with it was that I just sort of put myself in the hands of fate.

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"If this was my time, then this was my time so I was quite philosophical about it really.

"I know that people would worry themselves into an early grave as it were but I'm not that sort of person, I try to keep positive about things and I just got on with my life."

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