Coronation Street actor Liam McCheyne has shared a heartfelt tribute following the death of his co-star Timothy West. The couple performed together in the BBC drama, Last Tango in Halifax, and formed a strong friendship.

It was announced on Wednesday that Timothy had died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 90 “with his friends and family at the end”.

Dylan Wilson actor Liam, 17, reacted to the sad news and reflected on the influence Timothy had on him.

He shared on Twitter: “Today we received the devastating news of the passing of Timothy West this morning. My brother Connor and I had the privilege of sharing the screen with him during our appearance at Last Tango in Halifax.

“A true gentleman on and off screen, and someone I greatly admired. He always gave of his time, and looking back, it’s now something I greatly appreciate. Tim really inspired me to pursue my acting career and always believed in me from a young age.

“A very special gentleman who touched the hearts of many people. Sleep well, Tim.

Alongside the emotional message, Liam shared a photo from Last Tango in Halifax as his character Harrison sat on the beach with Ted, played by Timothy.

Timothy’s death was announced by his children Juliet, Samuel and Joseph, who said in a statement: “After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our beloved father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old.

“Tim was with his friends and family at the end.

“He is survived by his wife, Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. We will all miss him terribly. “

Timothy and Prunella, 92, married in 1963 after the breakdown of his marriage to his first wife, Jacqueline Boyer.

The couple appeared in the documentary series Great Canal Journeys between 2014 and 2019, traveling together on narrowboats across Europe.

Prunella, who played Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, announced her retirement in 2019 following her diagnosis with vascular dementia.

Timothy is also known for his roles in Brass (1982-1990), Not Going Out (2007-2009), Coronation Street (2013) and EastEnders (2014-2015).

In tribute to West, a EastEnders The spokesperson said: “We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Timothy West.

“Timothée joined EastEnders as Stan and his presence as the patriarch of the Carter family was immediately felt.

“Timothy was instantly loved and adored by everyone who 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.”