TRIBUTES have been paid to Barry Chuckle, one half of TV and stage comedy duo the Chuckle Brothers, after he died at the age of 73.
Barry Chuckle, real name Barry Elliot, passed away at home surrounded by his wife Ann and all his family, according to manager Phil Dale.
“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,” said Dale.
Barry’s comedy partner and real-life brother Paul, 70, added: “I’ve lost my theatrical partner, brother & very best friend! God Bless Barry, he leaves 50 years of laughter & his legacy of laughter will live on!”
I’m Devastated to confirm that our wonderful friend Barry Chuckle of The Chuckle Brothers has passed away. Paul said I’ve lost my theatrical partner, brother & very best friend! God Bless Barry, he leaves 50 years of laughter & his legacy of laughter will live on!
— Phil Dale (@PhilPdale) August 5, 2018
The duo, from Rotherham in Yorkshire, won TV talent contests Opportunity Knocks in 1967 and New Faces in 1974 and had guest spots on various TV shows over the ensuing years.
However they made a name for themselves with ChuckleVision, the BBC children’s show that ran for 292 episodes from 1987 to 2009.
Known for its slapstick humour, the series followed the bumbling handymen characters on their misadventures and introduced their ‘To Me, To You’ catchphrase.
When Chuckle Brothers Paul and Barry went back to where it all began - the Rotherham Civic Theatre @RothTheatres
To me, to you.
(Clip from @BBCTheOneShow) pic.twitter.com/IzV1nJzVjn— CBBC (@cbbc) August 5, 2018
In 2008 they received a special award at the Children’s Baftas.
In June they appeared on Chuckle Time, a comedy clip show on Channel 5.
Rapper Tinchy Stryder, with whom the Chuckle Brothers recorded a charity single in aid of the African-Caribbean Leukaemia Trust in 2014, was among those paying tribute to Barry, dubbing him a ‘humble legend’.
Funny, Down to earth, super cool, talented, humble legend. Rest in peace Barry Chuckle! #ToMeToYouBruv 🙏🏾❤️
— Tinchy Stryder (@TinchyStryder) August 5, 2018
Dearest Barry, Rest In Peace, do what you do so well, make all the angels you now join,happy,and make them always laugh. You know how much I adore you and ALL your family. @PaulChuckle2 stay strong,with your memories of LAUGHTER through this tough time #tometoyou 💛💛😇😇 pic.twitter.com/JsaZgzTJNm
— Lisa Jane riley (@Reallisariley) August 5, 2018
One of my favourites from childhood years, teenage years and as an adult! Gutted. Barry Chuckle RIP sir. pic.twitter.com/NjZ6J8krbq
— Paddy McGuinness (@PaddyMcGuinness) August 5, 2018
Very sad news this morning. A very funny man, you’ve left happy memories for so many people “To me to you “ RIP #barrychuckle 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/RGiQnoCmfa
— Frank Bruno MBE (@frankbrunoboxer) 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
Super sad to hear of the death of the legendary Barry Chuckle. One of the childhood iconic greats with The Chuckle Brothers. RIP #BarryChuckle
— Katy Hill (@KatyHillTV) August 5, 2018
Nooo not Barry! So shocked and sorry to hear this news. Loved him. Worked with the #ChuckleBrothers and all the family over the years. So upset. My heart goes out to Ann, Paul and all the family @PaulChuckle2 #goodfriends #emotional @BBCNews pic.twitter.com/QFOXGcal8X
— Vicki Michelle (@vickimichelle) August 5, 2018
#BarryChuckle R.I.P loved watching him and @PaulChuckle2 when I was younger on chucklevision ...and had the pleasure of working with him on celeb juice ..such a lovely bloke
— Antony Costa (@AntonyCosta) August 5, 2018