For over five decades, Paul Chuckle – real name Paul Elliott – has been a beloved fixture of British television, bringing slapstick joy to generations. Now, as he steps into a surprising new role as a ruthless gangster in the upcoming film Fall to the Top, the comedian reflects on his extraordinary career, the enduring legacy of ChuckleVision, and the profound loss of his brother and comedy partner, Barry.
From Slapstick to Shakespeare: A Lifelong Love of Comedy
Paul's journey into entertainment was almost predestined. Born into a showbusiness family, his father Gene Patton was a visual comedian who worked with Peter Sellers, and his mother was a dancer. His older brothers, Jimmy and Brian (the Patton Brothers), were tap-dancing on Saturday night television throughout the 1950s and 60s. "We were brought up in and out of the theatre all our lives," Paul recalls, noting that visual comedy, inspired by greats like Laurel and Hardy, always felt natural.
He and Barry honed their act for years on the gruelling circuit of working men's clubs and theatres. Despite winning talent shows like Opportunity Knocks in 1967 and New Faces in 1974, their big break didn't come until 1984. A fateful low-attendance matinee in Ashton-under-Lyne was watched by the producers of Roger the Dog, leading to a guest spot as the ChuckleHounds. When a survey revealed 97% of viewers loved them most, they were given their own series – the iconic ChuckleVision, which ran for an incredible 23 years.
"I Miss Him Dearly": Life and Legacy After Barry
The heart of the Chuckle Brothers' success was the genuine bond between Paul and Barry. "Anybody that watched us live could see the fun we had on stage," Paul says. He believes their on-screen happiness paled in comparison to the joy they shared performing together. "He’d say something that made me laugh and I’d say something that made him laugh. I miss him dearly. That’s the biggest thing I miss – working with him on stage."
The pair's legacy is cemented by their famous catchphrase, "To me, to you," which Paul reveals has been shouted at him in the most unexpected places, including a street in the Maldives. The connection with fans remains strong. "It takes me ages to go around the supermarket because everyone wants a selfie," he admits, calling it a "lovely feeling" he never tires of.
New Challenges: Gangsters, DJ Sets, and Dream Roles
Never one to rest on his laurels, Paul is embracing new creative challenges. His reaction to being offered the part of a London gangster in Fall to the Top was a resolute "Bring it on!" He jokes that after bullying Barry around for years in their act, playing a tough guy felt like a logical step.
Beyond acting, Paul is a passionate clubber and occasional DJ, having performed lockdown DJ sets. His go-to floorfiller is 'Tsunami' by Dvbbs and Borgeous, and he still enjoys nights out with his wife, recently seeing Judge Jules in Falmouth. He even harbours ambitions to do Radio 1's Essential Mix, quipping, "They just haven’t asked me."
When asked about tackling classical theatre like Shakespeare or Beckett, he responds with characteristic humour: "'To me, or not to me, that is the question?' I doubt very much I would be able to learn those lines, but if it was offered, I’d have a go." He also wouldn't say no to playing a retired James Bond.
Family, Famous Fans, and Future Hopes
Paul remains close to his family, including his 91-year-old brother Brian and his grandniece and grandnephew, Sophie and Pete, who appear on Gogglebox. He wonders aloud why he hasn't been asked to do Celebrity Gogglebox himself.
He's also had memorable encounters with famous admirers. The most notable was a sprint up a staircase to grab a selfie with Liam Gallagher after the Oasis star recognised him. "He said to his girlfriend: 'Get the camera out. Take a picture.' So he got a picture with me and I got a selfie with him," Paul laughs.
As for his beloved football team, Rotherham United, he faces a tough choice: would he prefer Premier League glory for the Millers or his own TV fame? While he'd love to see Rotherham succeed, he ultimately values the career he and Barry built through decades of hard work. Fall to the Top is set to arrive on streaming platforms later this year, proving that for Paul Chuckle, the show must – and does – go on.
