I’m thankful that recently deceased Fawlty Towers actress Prunella Scales honoured God in her marriage vows

Writer Becky Hunter Kelm reflects tenderly on the life and legacy of actress Prunella Scales, marking fifty years since Fawlty Towers first aired. In this piece, she weaves together nostalgia, faith, and compassion, celebrating Scales’ remarkable career, enduring marriage, and the hope that transcends even the challenges of dementia.

This year marked 50 years since Fawlty Towers first aired, and I remember watching Scales as hotel manager Sybil Fawlty when I was a child. Sybil was so sassy and bossy. Watching back a clip of her today, as she has the most almighty go at her on screen husband Basil (John Cleese) after he did something else ridiculous, made me smile with nostalgia. 

Sybil’s character was long-suffering. She put up with a lot from co-star John Cleese as Basil Fawlty - and she didn’t care who knew it! She was loud, full of spunk, her huge hair and fashion were fabulous, and she was very, very funny.

Re-watching Fawlty Towers was also a sharp reminder of how much the world has changed. Some FT episodes can no longer be aired because they’re openly racist. Time moves on, we learn, we try to do better. And the years tick by. Last week, Prunella Scales passed away peacefully with her family present, reminding us yet again of the inevitability of death, and the need for hope that goes beyond the grave.