Prunella Scales, star of the hit British sitcom Fawlty Towers, has died "peacefully at home" aged 93, her family said.

Scales played Sybil, the overbearing wife of hotel manager Basil Fawlty, in the classic British comedy.

In a statement, her family told the PA News agency she had died in her London home on Monday.

"Our darling mother Prunella Scales died peacefully at home in London yesterday. She was 93," her two sons, Samuel and Joseph, said.

"Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home.

"We would like to thank all those who gave Pru such wonderful care at the end of her life: her last days were comfortable, contented and surrounded by love."

Scales' death coincides with the 50th anniversary year of Fawl

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