The veteran children’s entertainer was surrounded by his wife and family…
Barry Chuckle has sadly passed away at the age of 73, his manager confirmed in a statement today.
The entertainer – real name Barry Elliott – died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones, 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,’ Phil said.
‘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.’
The family's statement added that Barry ‘leaves 50 years of laughter as his legacy which is something very special’.
‘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 continued.
Barry's brother and comedy partner Paul also paid a touching tribute to his ‘best friend’, saying: 'I've not just lost my brother, I've lost my theatrical partner of many, many years and my very best friend.'
Barry and Paul are currently seen in the Channel 5 series; Chuckle Time with the Chuckle Brothers, however, Barry fell ill towards the end of filming and subsequently cancelled his summer work to rest after being advised by his doctor.
Shortly after, his health deteriorated.
After news of Barry’s death was announced, fans flooded Twitter, expressing their sadness at his passing.
Children's author Terry Pratchett wrote: 'He and Paul took daft to a blessedly new level. RIP Barry Chuckle. To you @PaulChuckle2.'
Take Me Out presenter Paddy McGuinness tweeted: 'One of my favourites from childhood years, teenage years and as an adult! Gutted. Barry Chuckle RIP sir.'
Barry was best known for his work with his brother Paul on ChuckleVision, a children's comedy programme that ran on the BBC between 1987 and 2009, but the duo have been performing together for decades.
ChuckleVision ran for 21 series from 1987 to 2009. They were known for their catchphrases: 'To me, to you' and 'Oh dear, oh dear.'
