Barry Chuckle battled a terminal heart condition that he kept a closely guarded secret in order to keep performing, it has been revealed.
The entertainer passed away over the weekend at the age of 73, leaving his brother Paul ‘devastated.’
Tragically, Barry had known since last summer he had only a few months left to live but kept the news confined to only his close family.
In June he and Paul, who were best known as comedy duo The Chuckle Brothers, presented Channel 5 clip show Chuckle Time – which was Barry’s last on screen appearance.
The show, which was their first TV gig in years had been scheduled as a 12 part series, but Barry was forced to pull out when his health deteriorated.
According to The Sun, the entertainer lost use of his legs and was prescribed morphine for the pain.
Barry and brother Paul have been entertaining families for decades, with their Chucklevision kids show launching in 1985.
As well as TV appearances, the duo were regulars on the pantomime scenes and made families laugh around the UK with their headline tours.
Their first taste of fame came when they won TV talent competition Opportunity Knocks in 1974, though they started way back in 1963.
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After the sad news about Barry’s death was announced on Sunday, legions of his showbiz pals took to social media to share their memories of his work.
Comedian Jack Whitehall wrote: "Really sad about the passing of Barry Chuckle, as you may know i was obsessed with the Chuckle Brothers as a kid. Legends. Rest in peace."
Les Dennis, who was good friends with the duo, called Barry a ‘true variety great.’
Rapper Tinchy Stryder, who recorded charity single To Me, To You (Bruv) with the brothers, wrote: "Funny, down to earth, super cool, talented, humble legend. Rest in peace."
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