Prunella Scales suffering from "a sort of mild Alzheimer"s"

Prunella Scales and her husband Timothy West. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

Actor Timothy West has advised how his wife, Fawlty Towers star Prunella Scales, has been struggling from “a kind of mild Alzheimer’s”.

Stage and display actor West, 79, talks about Scales’ situation in a new More4 documentary, Grand Canal Journeys.

The actress, now 81, is very best acknowledged for her position as Basil Fawlty’s wife Sybil in the comedy Fawlty Towers but has continued to notch up display roles.

West, who last 12 months appeared in Coronation Street and has given that joined EastEnders, tells the programme, which is broadcast later this month, that Scales suffers from “a kind of mild Alzheimer’s”, the Radio Instances mentioned.

The couple have been navigating Britain’s canals on a slow boat ever because they initial sparked a passion for the pastime when they borrowed a friend’s boat for a fortnight in the 1970s.

And West tells the programme, in which the pair embark on four canal journeys across Britain, that the journeys are best for his wife simply because of the problems with her memory.

“She cannot remember things really effectively, but you do not have to bear in mind factors on the canal,” he says.

“You can just appreciate things as they happen – so it really is excellent for her.”

Scales says that she was determined not to allow the issue keep her from the stage.

“I usually say I want to die on the eighth curtain contact,” she says.

“Eight will imply the show’s been rather a accomplishment. I just hope I am someplace close to the middle and have been fairly great in the element.”

The pair celebrated their golden wedding ceremony anniversary last October with a trip down the River Thames on paddle steamer the Waverley.

Right after Henry star Scales says of her pastime: “It truly is always Tim who steers! But I enjoy operating up and down due to the fact of the wonderful wildlife on the towpath. And it keeps you match.”

Alzheimer’s Society’s director of external affairs, Dr Alison Cook, said: “Alzheimer’s Society would like to thank Timothy West for speaking out about his wife Prunella Scales’ dementia and raising awareness of the problem.

“Their latest journey navigating Britain’s canals displays that it is possible to dwell effectively with dementia and plan to carry on enjoying daily life.

“We would urge any individual who is concerned about themselves or a loved one particular to talk to their GP right now or speak to Alzheimer’s Society for suggestions and assistance.”

Prunella Scales suffering from "a sort of mild Alzheimer"s"