EastEnders star Danny Dyer has paid tribute to his co-star and acting legend Timothy West.
The actor died in his sleep yesterday, aged 90, his family have announced.
A statement released by his family read: ‘After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old. Tim was with friends and family at the end.’
‘He leaves his wife Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly.
‘We would like to thank the incredible NHS staff at St George’s Hospital, Tooting and at Avery Wandsworth for their loving care during his last days. Juliet, Samuel and Joseph West.’
Timothy was introduced as Stan Carter, the father of established characters Shirley (Linda Henry) and Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White) in 2014 and grandfather to Mick Carter, Danny’s character.
Today, the EastEnders Instagram account shared a statement that paid tribute to Timothy. Within the comments, Danny wrote his own message in response.
The post from the BBC One soap said: ‘We are extremely saddened to hear that Timothy West has passed away. Timothy joined EastEnders as Stan and his presence as the patriarch of the Carter family was immediately felt. Timothy was instantly loved and adored by all those that worked with him at EastEnders and he will forever be in our hearts . We send all our love and thoughts to Timothy’s family and friends.’
Danny, who left his role as Mick in 2022, said: ‘Can’t believe it’ alongside some broken heart emojis.
After Stan moved into the Queen Vic pub, the character was entwined in a love triangle with estranged wife Sylvie (Linda Marlowe) and Walford local Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell).
Stan was killed off the BBC soap in April 2015 after a battle with terminal prostate cancer.
Danny’s co-star Kellie Bright has also written a heartfelt message following news of Timothy’s death.
The actress, who plays Mick’s wife Linda Carter, said on Instagram: ‘Just to say that working alongside the legend Timothy West was an absolute highlight of my career. Funny, kind, a little twinkle in his eye and a bloody wonderful actor. It was a pleasure to know him all be it just for a year. The OG “Stan Carter”. Rest in peace lovely man. And my thoughts are with your family that you loved so very much.’
The actor portrayed Artie Simkins – the neighbour of a patient who takes a fall in their garden and is forced to call 999.
The instalment of the BBC soap is the penultimate episode of the daytime medical drama, ahead of the last ever episode tomorrow.
Production wrapped in March after almost 25 years, following the broadcaster’s decision to axe it.
