To me, to MBE - Paul Chuckle joins Rotherham's entertainment elite

It was a moment that secured his place in the top rank of Rotherham's entertainers – a performer whose impact reached far beyond South Yorkshire and into the lives of millions of British families.

For more than half a century, Paul (real name Elliott) and his late brother Barry entertained audiences across the country, first on stage and then through the BBC's hugely successful ChuckleVision.

Their trademark slapstick humour and immortal catchphrase, "To me, to you", became part of British popular culture.

Now, with an MBE awarded for services to charity, Elliott joins an illustrious group of entertainers whose contributions have been recognised by the Crown.

The scale of the achievement was not lost on the 78-year-old.

Reflecting on the investiture ceremony, he wrote on Instagram: "Today was the day I was invited to Windsor Castle to receive my MBE from His Majesty King Charles III… what an amazing honour, I still can't believe it but now I can sit and look at it and feel such a sense of achievement."

He added: "Thank you @mariecurieuk you are all absolutely fabulous."

The honour reflects not only a remarkable career in entertainment but also his dedication to charitable work. Since the death of Barry in 2018, Elliott has worked closely with Marie Curie, whose nurses cared for his brother during his final illness.

As an ambassador for the charity, he has helped raise awareness and support for end-of-life care.

Yet it is impossible to separate the award from the career that made him one of Britain's most recognisable entertainers.

The Chuckle Brothers spent decades perfecting their act in theatres, clubs and variety shows before becoming household names. Their success was built on persistence as much as talent.

When ChuckleVision arrived on our television screens in 1987, it quickly became a favourite with family audiences.

The programme would run for 21 years and almost 300 episodes, creating generations of fans and establishing the brothers as national treasures.

But only a select few have enjoyed the combination of longevity, popularity and national recognition achieved by the Chuckle Brothers.

The affection in which Elliott is held was reflected in the reaction from actress and writer Sue Vincent, who appeared alongside him in The Madame Blanc Mysteries.

She wrote: "PROUD of my TV Dad MBE! Also one of the loveliest humans on this planet! Huge love and congratulations."

It is a tribute that helps explain why Elliott's popularity has endured long after ChuckleVision left television screens. Audiences may know him as Paul Chuckle, but colleagues consistently speak of his warmth and generosity away from the spotlight.

Even at Windsor Castle, the famous catchphrase was never far away.

Asked whether he had been tempted to say "To me, to you" during the ceremony, Elliott admitted afterwards that the thought had crossed his mind before he decided against it.

Perhaps wisely so.

The medal itself says everything that needs to be said.