Brookside legend Dean Sullivan dies aged 68 as tributes flood in for Jimmy Corkhill star

Sullivan even held the accolade as the longest-serving member of the Brookside cast during his tenure on the program.

His agent confirmed he died on Wednesday, November 29 following a short illness.

A statement from his his family and Hamilton Management 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."

Tributes from fans, family and stars have flooded in all morning after news of Sullivan's death broke.

On X, formerly Twitter, one person paid tribute by saying: "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."

A second echoed: "Very sad news #DeanSullivan has passed away. I first met Dean on the set of #Brookside when he was playing #JimmyCorkhill The character Jimmy was one of the pillars of the legendary soap. Dean was part of the #Liverpool show business scene and I’ve interviewed him many times."

Another weighed in: "Sad news this morning. Dean Sullivan who played Jimmy Corkhill so brilliantly in Brookside has died aged just 68. Thoughts go out to his family and friends."

And a fourth added: "Heartbroken to hear about the very sad passing of Dean Sullivan. An incredible person and actor, he leaves a void that will be deeply felt, especially in his hometown, Liverpool, where he was a true legend. My thoughts are with his family on this somber day."

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Elsewhere, a fifth commented: "Saddened to hear of the passing of the Brookside actor Dean Sullivan who played Jimmy Corkhill my condolences to his family and friends rest in peace Dean Sullivan #DeanSullivan #Brookside."