BARRY Chuckle, one half of comedy duo the Chuckle Brothers, died just weeks after falling ill while filming their latest show.

Brother and comedy partner Paul led the tributes after Barry's death at the age of 73 was announced by their manager earlier today.

20 Barry (left) performed alongside his brother Paul Credit: Rex Features

The performer - real name Barry Elliott - starred alongside his younger brother Paul for more than 50 years, including a 22-year stint on BBC show ChuckleVision.

The pair were filming their return to TV with Channel 5 show Chuckle Time when Barry fell ill earlier this year.

The duo's summer schedule was cancelled by doctors for a period of rest but his condition deteriorated.

Chuckle Time was screened in June and will now remain the brothers' last appearances on screen.

20 Barry (left) and Paul pictured together in March this year Credit: Instagram

20 The star's manager said Barry passed away with his family around him Credit: Rex Features

Barry had been too ill to attend his brother Jimmy Patton's wedding last April but bounced back to start filming the new show - more than 50 years after first appearing on screen.

The brothers were born in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and won a place on talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1967.

They made their name with BBC show ChuckleVision in the 1980s and 1990s.

Paul, 70, said today: "I've not just lost my brother, I've lost my theatrical partner of many, many years and my very best friend."

20 The Chuckle Brothers found fame in the 1980s and 1990s with their show ChuckleVision Credit: Rex Features

The Chuckle Brothers Barry and Paul Elliott host the game show To Me...To You...

Manager Phil Dale added in a statement: "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."

Their father James Elliott went by the stage name Gene Patton and worked the London club scene, even performing with an 18-year-old Peter Sellers in 1943.

Barry and Paul first broke onto the BBC in 1985 with the show Chuckle Hounds, which was aimed at pre-school children and saw the comedy duo dressed as dogs.

20 The pair appearing on New Faces in 1975 Credit: Rex Features

20 ChuckleVision was one of CBBC's longest running shows between 1987 and 2009 Credit: Louis Hollingsbee - The Sun

20 The pair continued to perform in later years Credit: BBC

Tinchy Stryder and the Chuckle Brothers perform in a music video for the song To Me, To You (Bruv)

But they found fame with ChuckleVision, which became known for catchphrases such as 'To Me To You' and 'Oh dear, oh dear'.

The show claimed a Children's BAFTA among a host of awards and was one of the longest running children's programmes on the BBC, running from 1987 to 2009.

After it finished the pair made appearances in programmes such as The Weakest Link, Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway and Celebrity Coach Trip.

More recently they had been guests on Walliams and Friend and Blankety Blank in 2016 and The Nightly Show in 2017.

20 The pair performed together for more than 50 years Credit: Mirrorpix

20 They first entered the limelight on talent show Opportunity Knocks Credit: Mirrorpix

20 The brothers were born and raised in Rotherham, South Yorkshire Credit: Mirrorpix

20 The pair won a Children's BAFTA alongside a host of awards Credit: PA:Press Association

20 The pair performing their slapstick antics on the Paul O'Grady show in 2009 Credit: Rex Features

20 Lisa Riley paid tribute to the late star Credit: Instagram

20 Paddy McGuinness was also gutted to hear about Barry's death Credit: Twitter

Funny, Down to earth, super cool, talented, humble legend. Rest in peace Barry Chuckle! #ToMeToYouBruv 🙏🏾❤️ — Tinchy Stryder (@TinchyStryder) August 5, 2018

The Chuckle Brother makes surprise appearance as magicians in hit TV show Benidorm

A host of stars joined fans in paying tribute to the star after the news broke this morning.

Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness tweeted alongside a picture of Barry: "One of my favourites from childhood years, teenage years and as an adult! Gutted. Barry Chuckle RIP sir."

Actress Lisa Riley took to Instagram to write: "Dearest Barry, Rest in Peace, do what you do so well, make all the angels you now join happy and make them always laugh.

"You know how much I adore you and ALL your family. @PaulChuckle2 stay strong, with your memories of LAUGHTER through this tough time #tometoyou."

20 David Walliams wrote a lengthy tribute to Barry Credit: Twitter

David Walliams shared a glowing tribute to Barry, writing in a series of tweets: "Farewell Barry Chuckle. "I always thought he & his brothers were really special performers, not just because of their dazzling talents but also because they are the last link to the British Musical Hall tradition that gave us Stan Laurel & Charlie Chaplin.

"I was lucky to work with the Chuckle Brothers many times over the past 20 years. I never got over being completely starstruck at seeing them, but always found them to be generous, kind and most of all FUNNY.

"Barry had funny bones. He could have you in hysterics with just a look."

20 Zoe Ball recalled how lovely the brothers were to work with Credit: Twitter

20 The BBC's Dan Walker was sad to hear the news Credit: Twitter

Presenter Zoe Ball wrote on Twitter: "Heartbroken to hear dear Barry from #TheChuckleBrothers has passed away. Always loved working with these two terrific chaps. They were a joy to watch, brilliant with their fans, great company.

"Sending much love to Paul and all their loved ones #ToMeToYou."

Meanwhile many celebrities revealed their love for Chucklevision when they were growing up.

The BBC's Dan Walker added: "How very sad. Huge part of so many childhoods. Friendly, daft and they genuinely used to make me laugh. To you, Barry."

Rylan Clark-Neal added: "So sad. Many of our childhoods spent with you. RIP Barry you legend x".

20 Caroline Flack shared a picture of her with the Chuckle Brothers on Instagram Credit: Instagram

20 Rylan Clark also remembered them fondly from his childhood Credit: Twitter

20 Jack Whitehall said he was obsessed with the Chuckle Brothers as a child Credit: Twitter

Love Island host Caroline Flack shared a picture on her Instagram Stories of her with Barry and Paul.

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She wrote: "Sad to hear about Barry Chuckle was SUCH a big part of mine and jos childhood...thoughts and love to all his friends and family."

Comedian Jack Whitehall shared: "Really sad about the passing of Barry Chuckle, as you may know I was obsessed with the Chuckle Brothers as a kid. Legends. Rest in peace."

EastEnders actress Bonnie Langford wrote: "This is so sad to hear. Such a lovely man. Love and hugs to Paul and the family xx."