FANS of Brookside were left sobbing as TV legend Dean Sullivan made his final appearance on TV just days after he tragically passed away.
The actor was a household name and known to millions for his time as Jimmy Corkhill in the now defunct Channel 4 soap, Brookside.
Dean was just 68 when he died after a battle with a short illness.
In a bittersweet moment, fans were delighted to see him on screen last night but were soon left grabbing for the tissues as they watched his final ever TV appearance.
The star appeared in an episode of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip on BBC Two.
Viewers have watched on in recent weeks as the Beeb signed up a slew of celeb favourite to see if they could make any money at the famous auction houses with Dean being one of them.
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Dean looked cheerful in the episode as he went on the search for some antiques alongside acclaimed actress and Heartbeat star Tricia Penrose.
The BBC shared a statement to X – formerly Twitter – in which they confirmed that they had sought the approval of Dean's family to broadcast the episode.
Paying tribute to him, the channel wrote online: "We were incredibly sad to hear last week of the death of Dean Sullivan, known for his iconic performance as Jimmy Corkhill in Brookside.
"With the blessing of his family, the episode we recorded with Dean and his long-time friend @triciapenrose will air this evening as planned.
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"We hope you enjoy the programme, and our thoughts are with Dean's family and friends at this time."
Viewers also took to X to comment on the episode as they remembered the star but admitted to breaking down seeing him on screen for the final time.
One emotional fan penned: "This will be bittersweet viewing. But I shall certainly tune in, and enjoy the wonderful Mr. Sullivan on my screen, one last time."
Whilst another added: "Aww Dean Sullivan (Jimmy Corkhill) is on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip tonight at 7pm. This is probably the last TV show he filmed."
The news of Dean's sad death was confirmed last week.
A statement from the star's management read: "To millions he was and very much still is remembered as 'Jimmy', to family and friends he was 'Dino'.
"Dean's family wants to thank Arrowe Park Hospital for their unwavering and consistent support.
"We ask that you respect their privacy in their time of grief."
Sullivan was the longest-serving cast member on Brookside – but he was originally only supposed to be in six episodes as recurring character Corkhill.
Jimmy famously found Trevor Jordache's body under the patio with Eddie Banks, and he also battled drug addiction during the show's run.
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