Duncan Norvelle, a comedian famed for his “Chase me” catchphrase, has died aged 66.
The entertainer passed away in hospital surrounded by his loved ones on Thursday, after suffering from a chest infection and sepsis.
His death was announced on his Facebook page, with a note signed off by Norvelle’s partner, Lynn Trevallion, and his three children, Yasmin, Jack and Sophie.
Paying tribute to her partner, Ms Trevallion said he was “probably [the] last of the legends of true variety comedy”.
She added: “I just wanted another day with him, but I didn’t want him back to suffer, he wasn’t suffering, but I didn’t want him just to linger.
“I loved him so much, I never realised how much I loved him really, you don’t, do you, until you lose someone?”
Norvelle, from Walton on the Wolds, Leicestershire, was admitted to hospital two weeks ago.
He suffered a stroke in 2012, which paralysed his left side and left him unable to move his arm. He could walk when using a stick.
“He got back on stage after his stroke and just proved to everyone that he could still get a standing ovation every single time he did a show,” Ms Trevallion said.
“And he did loads and loads of shows after his stroke because they said [he] quite possibly would never walk or talk properly, and he could talk perfectly.”
Reflecting on her partner’s comedy style, she added: “His type of comedy doesn’t happen anymore, he’s probably the last of the legends of true variety comedy, so many have passed now.”
Among those paying tribute was Tommy Cannon, of comedy duo Cannon and Ball, who said on X: “Very sad news to hear the passing of one of my mates, Duncan Norvelle today, fond memories working with him in summer season, and recently doing a cruise with him. My thoughts go out to all his family at this time, you’ll be greatly missed mate, rest easy”
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During his career, Norvelle performed stand-up sets at prestigious venues including the London Palladium, and appeared on TV programmes such as Wogan and The Bob Monkhouse Show.
He also hosted a pilot episode for a dating show that would later become Blind Date, hosted by Cilla Black.
