One of the BBC's most cherished family entertainment programmes, which captivated audiences for an impressive 23-year run, is poised for a remarkable comeback. ChuckleVision, the iconic series starring brothers Paul and Barry Elliott, is being reimagined for a fresh generation in an animated format, according to show star Paul Elliott.
A Legacy Reborn Through Animation
Paul Elliott, now 78, has disclosed his ambitious vision to resurrect the series as a cartoon, with hopes of securing a deal with the BBC. This initiative follows the tragic passing of his beloved brother and comedy partner, Barry, who died in 2018 after a courageous battle with bone cancer at the age of 74. The duo first skyrocketed to fame in 1987 when ChuckleVision debuted, building on their earlier success after winning ITV's talent competition Opportunity Knocks in 1967 with their memorable catchphrase, 'to me, to you'.
Funding the Future Through ChucklesWorld
Paul explained that their company, ChucklesWorld, is actively working to generate sufficient funds through book sales to finance the production of the cartoon. He emphasised that while the BBC would naturally have first refusal due to the show's longstanding history on the network, the final decision would hinge on commercial viability. 'It will go to whoever will buy it, because that’s how business works now,' Paul told The Mirror. 'But BBC would get first dibs obviously, because ChuckleVision was on the BBC for 23 years.'
Reflecting on the evolution of television since the show's inception, Paul acknowledged the dramatic shifts in the media landscape. 'When ChuckleVision was first on, there were only four channels,' he noted. 'We’d get three million viewers at half past three in the afternoon. It’d be great to get that on a Saturday night now.'
Honouring a Brother's Memory and Philanthropic Contributions
Beyond their entertainment legacy, the Elliott brothers were dedicated philanthropists, serving as official ambassadors for the end-of-life charity Marie Curie from October 2016. Their commitment involved fundraising, raising awareness, donating auction prizes, and supporting campaigns on social media. Following Barry's death, Paul continued this advocacy, drawing from personal experience with the care Barry received from Marie Curie nurses.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Paul was awarded an MBE in the King's New Year Honours list last year. 'Receiving this Honour has been a huge surprise - I'm absolutely over the moon!' Paul exclaimed earlier this year. '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.'
A Spiritual Connection and Enduring Popularity
Paul has also shared poignant moments of spiritual connection with his late brother. In 2022, he recounted seeing Barry's ghost backstage before a performance, describing how Barry appeared to wink and nod, providing the confidence needed to go on stage alone. 'I swear I could see him to the side of the stage, and he's nodding and winking at me,' Paul recalled. 'It gave me confidence to walk on stage and the audience lifted me beautifully.'
The enduring appeal of ChuckleVision was cemented in 2019 when it was voted the greatest CBBC series of all time in a Radio Times poll of 3,000 people, surpassing other classics like The Story Of Tracy Beaker and Dick And Dom In Da Bungalow. Paul expressed gratitude at the time, stating, 'Thank you as you have all helped put ChuckleVision where it belongs, at number one!'
As Paul Elliott forges ahead with plans to revive ChuckleVision, he aims not only to honour his brother's memory but also to introduce the timeless humour and charm of the series to a new generation of young viewers through the vibrant medium of animation.
