Barry Chuckle of the Chuckle Brothers passes away aged 73

Barry Chuckle, who was one half of comedy duo The Chuckle Brothers has died at the age 73. The entertainer’s manager Phil Dale confirmed his passing earlier this morning.

He told Metro.co.uk: “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 issued their thanks to fans of The Chuckle Brothers, “They know that they will share in part, the great, great loss they feel.”

They have asked for the public to respect their privacy during this heartbreaking and difficult time.

Barry and his brother Paul rose to fame in the late 80s.

The duo starred in hit show ChuckleVision between 1987 and 2009, making it one of the longest running children’s shows in the United Kingdom.

Paul issued a statement following his brother’s death: "I've not just lost my brother, I've lost my theatrical partner of many, many years and my very best friend."