Timothy West shares update on Prunella Scales's dementia battle as star recalls harrowing first sign

Iconic actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales recently came together for a joint TV interview to shed light on their current experiences as Prunella battles with vascular dementia.

West, known for her roles in EastEnders and Gentleman Jack, has been married to Scales, a legendary actor from Fawlty Towers, for 60 years. Unfortunately, Scales has been living with an illness for almost a third of their marriage.

"We always keep this in our thoughts," West confessed. "It's a matter of continual consideration. Individuals are understanding and supportive about it."

Scales was identified to have vascular dementia in 2014; however, West explicitly acknowledged that he observed the initial indications of something being amiss over ten years before that.

During his most recent interview, West remembered observing his spouse's portrayal in a drama during the early 2000s, during which he became intrigued by her actions.

As West reflects on the heartbreaking experience, he shares, "I remember thinking to myself, 'Pru seems a little off. She's not completely present.'"

. Timothy West and Prunella Scales have been in matrimony for 60 years.

This wouldn't have been a concern for an average viewer, but I had a feeling that she wasn't fully in control of the situation.

West shared the words of the expert who informed him of his spouse's diagnosis back in 2014.

"They told me that this is a common occurrence as you age and it won't become any less difficult, but you have the ability to manage it. Don't allow it to dampen your spirits," West shared, emphasizing that it had not affected their bond in any way.

Nonetheless, during their interview with the BBC, West took a brief pause to contemplate the future and converse about his spouse's welfare.

He admitted: "I am aware that certain things might alter somewhat, however, it has been quite an extensive duration and we have actually handled things quite proficiently."

"I believe we never have the thought of 'Oh dear'," he stated, to which Scales confidently reiterated: "I completely agree. Never at all."

The couple received a lot of compliments for their honest and moving conversation with people watching TV from their homes. Many viewers were emotional over their strong connection after spending 60 years together.

Scales has had a successful and accomplished profession in both television and theater. One of her notable roles was playing Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers alongside the presenter of GB News and host of The Dinosaur Hour, John Cleese. However, Scales and her partner have primarily appeared on Channel 4's program known as Great Canal Journeys in recent years.

In 2017, Timothy West and Prunella Scales were seen in public together.

Over a span of 10 season, the team of a married couple has traveled across the canals of Britain together with a range of well-known individuals such as Sheila Hancock and Gyles Brandreth.

Their two sons, Joseph West and Samuel West, have also made appearances on the show. However, Samuel has been primarily focused on his work with Channel 5's hit show, All Creatures Great and Small.