Comedian Paul Chuckle has revealed he has been suffering from coronavirus.

The 72-year-old - who was part of comedy duo The Chuckle Brothers - said he had been "laid-up" with mild symptoms but they were "not nice" as he urged the British public to stay indoors.

In a video message posted on Twitter, Chuckle - whose real name is Paul Elliott - said: "Hi guys, just checking in to let you know I'm still around.

"I have been laid up with COVID-19 for a good few days, just mild, but it was there and it's not nice, I promise you, so please, please stay inside.

"We're all going stir-crazy, we know that, but please stay inside and take the pressure off the NHS, Marie Curie, etc, etc.


"Please, please, stay in guys and enjoy as best you can."

His announcement prompted a flurry of messages of support from fans and the world of entertainment.

Comedian Paddy McGuinness wrote on Twitter: "Stay well pal. Good to see you."

Actor Will Mellor said: "Glad [you're] getting better mate!! Take care."

Image: Paul Chuckle's brother Barry died in 2018

Chuckle's brother and comedy partner Barry died in August 2018 at the age of 73.

The duo shot to fame with their slapstick-style and catchphrase "to me, to you", winning talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1967 and starring on BBC show ChuckleVision for 21 series from 1987 to 2009.

Following Barry's death, Paul said losing his brother had been "the worst feeling ever" but he knew his ChuckleVision co-star would want him to carry on performing.

The UK public are under tight restrictions to fight the spread of coronavirus after being told to only leave their homes for essentials, to exercise once a day, for a medical need or to help a vulnerable person, or to go to work if it is not possible to work from home.

It was announced on Monday that a further 180 people have died in the UK after testing positive for COVID-19, taking the total to 1,415.

:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

After announcing he had coronavirus, Chuckle issued a statement encouraging people to donate to terminal illness charity Marie Curie after his brother Barry was cared for by their nurses towards the end of his life.

He said: "Now more than ever, dying people who do not want to be in hospital need to be moved to a more appropriate setting, to free up precious hospital beds that are urgently required for patients with coronavirus."