In a bizarre turn of events that left British comedy fans reeling, beloved actress Prunella Scales has been forced to confirm she is very much alive after social media death rumours spread like wildfire.
The confusion began when her Fawlty Towers co-star John Cleese posted a heartfelt tribute to the 91-year-old actress, leading many to believe the worst about the woman who immortalised Sybil Fawlty.
How the False Rumours Began
The unfortunate misunderstanding started when Cleese, 84, shared a moving tribute to Scales on social media, reflecting on their time working together on the iconic BBC sitcom. His emotional words were misinterpreted by many followers as a memorial post.
"The outpouring of grief was completely premature," a representative for Scales confirmed. "Prunella is alive and well, though she and her family have been understandably distressed by these false reports."
A Comedy Legacy That Lives On
Prunella Scales remains one of Britain's most cherished acting treasures, with a career spanning over seven decades. While she stepped back from acting in recent years due to dementia, she continues to be cared for by her husband, actor Timothy West, and their family.
Her portrayal of the sharp-tongued, sensible Sybil Fawlty opposite Cleese's manic Basil created one of television's most memorable comic partnerships. The series, which ran for just 12 episodes between 1975 and 1979, has endured as perhaps the greatest British sitcom of all time.
Handling the Hoax with Dignity
Rather than causing outrage, Scales' family has handled the situation with characteristic grace and humour, acknowledging that the false reports stemmed from affection for the much-loved actress.
Fawlty Towers fans have flooded social media with relief and warm wishes for the actress, proving that even four decades after the show ended, the British public's affection for Sybil Fawlty remains undimmed.
