Veteran entertainer Barry Chuckle, one half of comedy duo the Chuckle Brothers, has died at the age of 73, his manager said.

The TV and theatre entertainer had started to film a new TV series but he became unwell and his health deteriorated.

Manager Phil Dale said in a statement to the Press Association: “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.”

The statement said that “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”.

The stars had recently filmed a new series titled Chuckle Time for Channel 5.

The star, whose real name is Barry Elliott, had not been well towards the end of the filming and summer work was cancelled whilst he rested at his doctor’s request. Not long after this, his health deteriorated.

The Chuckle Brothers won the talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1967. The Rotherham double-act’s BBC show ChuckleVision ran for 21 series from 1987 to 2009.

The entertainers made a TV comeback on Chuckle Time. The programme saw the brothers perform comedy sketches and introduce humorous online videos from members of the public.