Duncan Norvelle, the veteran comedian known for his memorable catchphrase “chase me” and a familiar face on British TV in the 1980s has passed away.
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The Shropshire Star reported he died in the hospital following complications from a chest infection and sepsis on the morning of Thursday, December 12. According to the report, Norvelle had been hospitalized for two weeks prior to his passing and had previously suffered a stroke in 2012.
Norvelle was 66.
“It’s with great sadness myself and Duncan’s children have to announce the passing of Duncan Norvelle this morning at 8.15 am,” his family wrote on Norvelle’s Facebook page. “Duncan passed peacefully with myself and daughter Yasmin. Rest in peace our comedy legend, so deeply loved and so very missed.”
Winning £20 in a Talent Show Kicked Off Duncan Norvelle’s Comedy Career
Norvelle’s entertainment career began as a teenager after winning £20 in a talent show in Bournemouth, inspiring him to pursue comedy.
According to The Guardian, he went on to perform stand-up comedy at renowned venues, including the iconic London Palladium. His career also flourished on television, where he rose to prominence in the early 1980s through the ITV variety show Saturday Royal. In 1985, he hosted the pilot episode of It’s a Hoot!, a dating show that eventually evolved into Blind Date, famously presented by Cilla Black.
In 1991, he featured on the ITV comedy panel game show Through the Keyhole. Two decades later, in 2011, he joined Celebrity Come Dine With Me, alongside Sean Hughes, Gina Yashere, and Paul Tonkinson. Over the years, he also made appearances on popular programs like Wogan, The Bob Monkhouse Show, and The Keith Harris Show.
Duncan Norvelle Remembered as a ‘Gentle Comedian’
His partner Lynn fondly described Norvelle as “a gentle comedian.”
“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,” she told the PA news agency.
“He was a gentle comedian, never swore on stage, he was a clean act,” she added. “Sir Ken Dodd loved Duncan because he said he was like him, ‘a good, clean act’, and he invited Duncan on his 80th birthday to be the entertainment for him.”
Norvelle is survived by his partner, Linda, and his three children: Jack (15), Sophie (44), and Yasmin (35).