Barry Chuckle's Family Invite Fans To 'Celebrate His Life' At Star's Funeral

Fans of comedian Barry Chuckle are being invited to line the streets of his home town for his funeral, which will take place next week.

Barry Chuckle, one half of famous comedy duo the Chuckle Brothers, died at the age of 73, his manager announced last Sunday.

Close friends and relatives of the much-loved comedian will be invited to Rotherham United's New York stadium, South Yorkshire, on Friday, August 17 at 12.55pm (GMT).

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The service itself will be private but fans who wish to pay their respects are being asked to line the streets around the ground.

The arrangements were announced by the family in a statement which also said the funeral would be a 'celebration' of Barry's amazing life.

They said: "As a family we would welcome fans to celebrate his life and pay their respects with us, outside of the New York stadium.

"There is an event for invited family and close friends which respectfully is private and by invite only.

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"We are overwhelmed with the love and support we have received over the last few days, and thank everyone concerned!"

The choice of venue is especially poignant as Barry and his brother, Paul, were honorary life presidents of the club that both had supported all their lives.

The veteran entertainer, whose real name was Barry Elliott, starred in ChuckleVision with Paul, 70, on the BBC between 1987 and 2009.

In a touching statement Paul said: "I've not just lost my brother, I've lost my theatrical partner of many, many years and my very best friend."

The children's TV star died peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones, including wife Ann.

It was later revealed by another of his brothers, Jimmy Patton, that Barry had been battling with cancer.

Jimmy 86, told the Sun that the family were 'devastated' adding: "Barry had bone cancer which had spread to his lungs.

"He was ill for years, but kept it hidden. We knew about it, but kept it quiet, and all the family are really hurting right now."

Topics: Paul Chuckle, Chuckle Brothers, UK News, Celebrity, UK Entertainment

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

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