Brookside icon Dean Sullivan has been laid to rest in his native Liverpool, with his Brookside co-stars coming together to pay their respects to the late actor.
The cheeky Scouser, who was best known for playing Jimmy Corkhill on the soap, passed away in the city at the age of just 68. It was later revealed that he had been battling a short illness that he sadly passed away from.
Sullivan was well-known to the Scouse community, and was a big favourite amongst Brookside viewers, as he took on several heavy hitting storylines. By the end of the show in 2003, Dean was the longest-serving actor on the soap, joining the show for nearly twenty years.
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At his funeral at Liverpool's Parish Church, also known as Our Lady and St Nicholas), the stars of the show as well as loyal fans paid tribute to the actor. Following the church service, a private cremation was held with his closest family and friends that came to the procession.
Before he passed away, Dean left Liverpool behind and moved across the Mersey to New Brighton on the Wirral with his nearest and dearest. As the city mourned the loss of one of its most treasured actors, Dean's own dog was brought into the church to say goodbye to his beloved owner.
As Dean's coffin arrived at the church on a black horse-drawn carriage, he was inundated with flowers, with one flower arrangement reading "Deano". As the group of mourners made their way into the church, loyal fans of the actor and natives of his hometown lined the streets, with some walking behind his coffing as he was carried in for his funeral.
Those who were invited to the church, which stands on Liverpool's iconic Pier Head next to the Royal Liver Building, photos of his life were put on display, showing his life – full of colour and intrigue. The event was attended by a number of high profile names including Paul Burrell and Vince Earl, who was a close friend and co-star of the soap.
Sue Jenkins, who played Dean's on-screen wife Jackie Corkhill looked sullen as she entered the church. Before taking her seat, she stopped to pet Sullivan's pooch, to give his four-legged friend some additional comfort.
Similarly, Claire Sweeney – who took on the role of Jimmy's daughter Lindsey on the show – appeared heartbroken as she walked into the church. Claire and Dean kept a close bond both on and off the show, and the pair kept in close contact well after the soap ended.
Not one for sadness, it seems that Dean had made a specific request for those attending to wear a more colourful outfit, instead of the traditional black. Many of the guests who had joined the procession were seen in a number of striking colours with one wearing a punchy orange coat.
Meanwhile, fellow Brookside Jennifer Ellison gave her thanks to the actor: "Dean you were the King of Brookside. I have so many wonderful memories shared both on screen and off with you.
"You always had time for me, even as a child actor brand new to the soap," she continued. "Thank you for being so wonderful, a true legend. I will cherish all the years spent together. Jen x," before finishing with a heart.
Dean had been privately battling prostate cancer, revealing the news in 2019 that he had been diagnosed with the disease a year prior. He urged people to "listen to their bodies" and get checked, as it meant that people could discover the condition earlier.
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