Barry Chuckle has died.

Barry and Paul Chuckle

Barry and Paul Chuckle

The 73-year-old comic - whose real name was Barry Elliott - has passed away "peacefully" at his home surrounded by his family.

The 'ChuckleVision' star's 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."

And Barry's brother and comedy partner, Paul, also paid a heartfelt tribute to his sibling.

He said: "I've not just lost my brother, I've lost my theatrical partner of many, many years and my very best friend."

The brothers - who returned to TV this year with Channel 5 series 'Chuckle Time' - began their careers as The Chuckles and won TV talent show 'Opportunity Knocks' in 1967, going on to appear on 'New Faces' in 1974.

Their most famous show, 'ChuckleVision', ran for 21 series over 22 years until December 2009.

The brothers starred in an episode of 'Benidorm' earlier this year and Barry also appeared in 'Still Open All Hours'.