Tributes have poured in for Barry Chuckle, one half of the comedy duo the Chuckle Brothers, who died aged 73 after a short illness.
Barry, whose real name was Barry Elliott, appeared in ChuckleVision alongside his brother Paul. It was televised on the BBC from 1987 to 2009.
Fans have paid tribute on Twitter, with many astounded to hear the news upon waking this morning.
“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,” his manager Phil Dale said.
Brother Paul said: “I’ve not just lost my brother, I’ve lost my theatrical partner of many, many years and my very best friend.”
The Labour MP Angela Rayner said: “So sorry to hear of the death of Barry Chuckle aged 73 this morning. “A great entertainer who has been making people laugh for so long. Our family loved his act with his brother, RIP Barry.”
A family statement read: “There will be no further comment at the moment and it would be much appreciated if the privacy of Barry’s family is respected at this most difficult time.” It said he had left “50 years of laughter as his legacy, which is something very special”.
Earlier this year, the brothers returned to the television screen with a new show, Chuckle Time, on Channel 5.
