Barry Chuckle, one half of comedy-duo The Chuckle Brothers, has died aged 73.
The entertainer, whose real name was Barry Elliot, appeared in the popular children’s television series ChuckleVision between 1987 and 2009 with his brother, Paul.
Speaking about the loss, Paul said: “I’ve not just lost my brother, I’ve lost my theatrical partner of many, many years and my very best friend.”
His manager, Phil Dale said: “It is with great sadness that the family announce that Barry passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Ann and all his family.”
Meanwhile, tributes have been paid to the late star via social media.
So sad to hear about Barry Chuckle I worked with both the brothers I can honestly say what lovely gents who have kept in touch ever since…. Barry you will be missed #rip
— Iwan Thomas MBE (@Iwanrunner) August 5, 2018
Funny, Down to earth, super cool, talented, humble legend. Rest in peace Barry Chuckle! #ToMeToYouBruv ??❤️
— Tinchy Stryder (@TinchyStryder) August 5, 2018
RIP Barry Chuckle. A massive part of my childhood. Not a day went past without laughing at his antics #ToMe #ToYou
— Stuart Antony (@STU_ACTOR) August 5, 2018
RIP #BarryChuckle one of the legendary #ChuckleBrothers – a proper, old fashioned entertainer. Thanks for all the laughs you made my childhood funnier pic.twitter.com/wQO0VNpbGB
— JONATHAN SOTHCOTT (@sothcott) August 5, 2018
Paul has asked me to send a message to thank EVERYONE for your lovely messages this morning, he is absolutely devastated so unable to respond himself but your messages really do help and he knows Barry would so happy to know how much he was loved, Sue X
— Paul Chuckle (@PaulChuckle2) August 5, 2018
RIP dear Barry Chuckle. Here's to you. ❤️pic.twitter.com/rSwjoRcPAZ
— BBC Comedy (@bbccomedy) August 5, 2018
I was lucky to work with the Chuckle Brothers many times over the past 20 years. I never got over being completely starstruck at seeing them, but always found them to be generous, kind and most of all FUNNY. Barry had funny bones. He could have you in hysterics with just a look.
— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) August 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/DUALIPA/status/1026055184491978752
Really sad about the passing of Barry Chuckle, as you may know i was obsessed with the Chuckle Brothers as a kid. Legends. Rest in peace.
— Jack Whitehall (@jackwhitehall) August 5, 2018
So sad to hear the news about Barry Elliott (Chuckle). Our heart felt condolences go out to Paul and to the rest of his family. A genuine old school entertainer who simply loved performing. Thanks for the laughs.
— Dick and Dom (@dickndom) August 5, 2018
Not every celebrity death gets eulogies from @DUALIPA & @realbasilbrush. RIP to the gloriously silly Barry Chuckle. https://t.co/uialNqVPoQ
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 5, 2018
The duo had recently reunited for a new show, Chuckle Time, on Channel 5. Last year, Barry had also appeared in a short film, The Funniest Man in the World about the life of Joseph Grimaldi.
The brothers rose to fame after appearing on TV talent shows Opportunity Knocks and New Faces, in 1967 and 1974 respectively.
The brothers were reportedly due to enter Celebrity Big Brother later this month, according to OK! Online.
“Yes, there was interest in getting the Chuckle Brothers involved in the show,” a source told OK! Online. “Everyone in Britain knows them and loves them, but nothing had been put down in stone to confirm their involvement.”
Their manager Dale added: “The family would like to express their thanks to the many people who have been fans of the Chuckle Brothers and they know that they will share in part the great, great loss they feel.”
More to follow…