BBC airs Fawlty Towers tribute episode honoring late Prunella Scales

In a special tribute to the late Prunella Scales, an episode of the iconic British sitcom Fawlty Towers titled "The Builders" will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8pm, marking the actress's passing at age 93. Scales, who portrayed Sybil Fawlty throughout the show's entire run from 1975 to 1979, appeared in all 12 episodes and was celebrated for her brilliant performance that continues to make audiences laugh. The episode, originally broadcast in 1975, features the hotelier couple Basil and Sybil Fawlty undertaking structural work on their hotel during a weekend away. BBC Comedy's director Jon Petrie expressed condolences, calling Scales a national treasure. Beyond Fawlty Towers, Scales had a distinguished acting career including roles in films like Howard's End and honors such as a Bafta nomination for playing Queen Elizabeth II. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2014, Scales retired from acting but remained beloved, with her family noting she was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died peacefully at home in London.