Paul Elliot: Rotherham's favourite panto legend and star of Chuckle Vision recognised in King's Honours list
One of South Yorkshire’s most beloved television stars is receiving a Royal honour in recognition of his support of one of the UK’s largest end-of-life care charities.
Paul Elliott - better known by his stage name Paul Chuckle - entertained generations of children with his brother Barry through the hit BBC show Chuckle Vision.
Thanks to phrases like ‘to me, to you’ and ‘oh dear, oh dear’, the pair became icons of British television, starring in close to 300 episodes of the legendary show over the course of 20 years.
The pair also performed in 50 pantomimes together, becoming some of Rotherham’s family favourite entertainers.
Tragically, in 2018, Barry passed away at the age of 73 following a battle with bone cancer.
In 2016, the two worked together as ambassadors for the end of life charity Marie Curie, with Paul continuing to carry that torch in honour of his brother in the years since his death.
The Rotherham-born star of stage and screen has been involved in a number of fundraising adventures over the past decade, and last year helped host two of the charity’s Brain Game gala dinners - in London and Harrogate - helping to raise over £250,000.
On top of the charity work, he’s continued to perform, regularly hosting DJ sets and most recently taking a turn to something more dramatic with the gangster film ‘Fall to the Top’.
And now, after years of work, the local legend has been recognised by the King in his New Year’s Honours list.
Paul said: “Receiving this honour has been a huge surprise - I’m absolutely over the moon.
“It was mine and Barry’s privilege to support Marie Curie together for all those years until he died, and it’s been my pleasure to keep supporting them ever since.
“It was so kind of the charity to put me forwards for this recognition, when really, it’s them – the doctors and nurses, the hospice staff, the charity shop staff, the Marie Curie volunteers – who deserve an award.
“Every day they help make the end of life less frightening and less painful for so many families.”
Paul has been listed for a MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of his charitable service.
And he’s not set to slow down in the new year, as in 2026, Paul will be taking part in his biggest Marie Curie fundraising challenge yet, to celebrate 40 years of the charity’s Great Daffodil Appeal, with further details set to be announced in the coming months.
Matthew Reed, Chief Executive, Marie Curie, says: “We are so pleased to hear that Paul has received an MBE for his services to Marie Curie.
“His support over the years has made a huge difference and he truly deserves to be recognised for his unwavering dedication and devotion to our charity. We’re extremely lucky to have Paul as one of our Marie Curie Ambassadors and we hope to continue to work with him for many years to come.”