Civic leaders pay tribute to Chuckle Brother Barry

CIVIC figures have been paying their respects for Barry ‘Chuckle’ Elliott (73, pictured above right), who died last Sunday.

Cllr Alan Buckley, the Mayor of Rotherham, told the Advertiser: “It was with great sadness that we heard of the death of Barry Elliott.

“His passing brings to an end one of entertainment’s enduring family acts, which brought much joy and laughter to young and older generations.

“Rotherham has lost one of its great comics and his loss has left a huge void that will probably never be filled.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences — and the thoughts of everyone in Rotherham — go out to his brother Paul, his who family and his friends.”

Cllr Buckley added: “Barry’s place in our hearts and memories will be forever attached to the words ‘to me, to you’.

“The gift of laughter-making is a precious one and he had it in bucket-loads.”

Cllr Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Borough Council, said: “I was sorry to hear of the passing of Barry.

“He was of course familiar to millions of us from perhaps his most famous TV programme, ChuckleVision.

“Our thoughts from the council are with Paul and his family.”

Polly Hamilton, assistant director of culture, sport and tourism, tweeted: “Very sad to hear the news about Barry Chuckle. Our thoughts are with Paul and the rest of the family.

“He was loved. He will be much missed.”

See tomorrow’s Advertiser for a five-page special tribute to Barry’s life and career.