Prunella Scales was born Prunella Illingworth and took her actress mother's maiden name.
Scales studied at the Old Vic Theatre School and then trained in America under method teacher Uta Hagen.
She has acted extensively in theatre and TV.
She is best known for her role as Sybil in Fawlty Towers. Her other prominent roles include playing Elizabeth Mapp in Mapp and Lucia.
