Brookside actor Dean Sullivan who played Jimmy Corkhill has died age 68

Former Brookside star Dean Sullivan who played drug dealer Jimmy Corkhill in the soap died yesterday at the age of 68.

Sullivan confirmed he was living with prostate cancer in May after being diagnosed with the disease five years ago – though the soap legend’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Sullivan was seen on-screen in June during a Brookside reunion at the British soap Awards.

He was joined on stage at the Lowry, in Salford, by former cast members Sue Jenkins and Claire Sweeney – who played Corkhill family members Lindsay and Jackie in the soap – to present the award for ‘Best Family’.

In a statement, Sullivan’s family said: “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 groundbreaking ‘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.”

Created by Phil Redmond (Grangehill and Hollyoaks), Brookside was set in a real cul-de-sac on a housing estate in West Derby, Liverpool, and ran from November 1982 until November 2003. 

The last episode was filmed in September and aired two months later with Jimmy Corkhill’s face being the final one to fill the screen.

Sullivan played the role of Jimmy Corkhill for 17 years on the Merseyside soap, from 1986, and won a British Soap Award for outstanding achievement in 2003 for his portrayal.

The soap icon went on to star in BBC’s Doctors and ITV’s The Royal to add to his list of acting credits. He was scheduled to appear in a Southport production of Jack And The Beanstalk from December 7th, but pulled out on November 17th due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.

Sullivan was originally diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and was discharged by his consultant after a year of radiotherapy treatment. He urged others to ‘listen to their bodies’, sharing his early symptoms.

He said he went to the doctor because ‘the strength of my flow when I used to go to the loo to have a pee was reduced’. On how he was diagnosed he added: “When I went back I saw a doctor who specialised in prostate treatment. 

“He gave me a quick examination and within two weeks I was at the hospital speaking to the consultant.

“If I’d have 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. As with many cancers, if they are caught early, they are treatable.”