PABarry Elliot, who all 90s kids know as Barry Chuckle, had been suffering from an illness for more than a year before his death.
A family member revealed the ChuckleVision star had been battling serious health problems and didn’t attend his brother Jimmy’s wedding last year, to ChuckleVision fan, Amy.
Amy’s mum said at the time, ‘supposedly Barry was ill, that’s all I know’, reports the Mirror.
His comedy partner and brother Paul has paid an emotional tribute to Barry, 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 his brother Paul began their comedy careers on the ITV talent shows Opportunity Knocks (in 1967) and New Faces (in 1974).
Barry’s 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.
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 veteran star worked for decades alongside his brother Paul, who’s 70 years old, and the pair appeared in 300 episodes of Chucklevision – one of the longest-running kids’ series on UK television.
Their slapstick-style comedy won the hearts of kids and adults alike, and the pair will forever be synonymous with the well-known and much loved catchphrase, ‘to me, to you’.
According to the Metro, Barry, along with Paul, had recently filmed a new series titled ChuckleTime for Channel 5. He said it was just like the wonderful days of filming ChuckleVision for BBC One.
However Barry hadn’t been well towards the end of the filming and summer work was cancelled while he rested at his doctor’s request.
According to his reps, not long after this, the star’s health was said to have deteriorated.
His manager Paul added:
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.
Fans have been paying their respects to the entertainer on social media, many of whom expressed their sadness at one of their childhood icons passing away.
One wrote:
Words can’t actually describe how much this hurts, you were a huge part of my childhood!
My absolute childhood hero and an absolute legend ?
RIP #barrychuckle ?
While another added:
Can’t believe Barry Chuckle has passed away. The Chuckle brothers were a huge part of my Childhood. my thoughts are prayers are with his family & Friends. #BarryChuckle
Our thoughts are with Paul and the rest of Barry’s family and friends at this difficult time.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
