Barry Chuckle, one half of comedy duo the Chuckle Brothers, has died at the age of 73.
The veteran TV and theatre entertainer was filming a new TV series entitled Chuckle Time for Channel 5 with his brother Paul but became unwell and his health deteriorated.
In a statement to the Press Association, 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."
His 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."
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
The statement went on, "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.", adding that the star "leaves 50 years of laughter as his legacy which is something very special".
On Sunday, Paul's wife Sue posted a message on his Twitter account on behalf of her "devastated" husband to thank well-wishers for their messages of support.
She said: "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 be so happy to know how much he was loved, Sue X."
The entertainer, whose real name is Barry Elliott, began feeling ill as filming on the new show was nearing an end and cancelled summer work to rest at his doctor's request. His health deteriorated soonafter.
The Chuckle Brothers, who are from Rotherham in Yorkshire, won the talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1967 and went on to host their BBC show ChuckleVision for 21 series from 1987 to 2009.
The entertainers made a TV comeback on Channel 5’s Chuckle Time, which saw the brothers perform comedy sketches and introduce humorous online videos sent in from the public.
The brothers collaborated with Tinchy Stryder on a track, To Me, To You (Bruv) in 2014, which referenced their famous catchphrase. On Sunday the rapper tweeted: "Funny, Down to earth, super cool, talented, humble legend. Rest in peace Barry Chuckle!"
