Legendary comedian Duncan Norvelle famous for his ‘Chase Me’ catchphrase dies aged 66 as friends & family pay tribute
COMEDY legend Duncan Norvelle has sadly passed away aged 66 as emotional tributes pour in.
The TV star, who was known as Duncan 'Chase me' Norvelle after coining his catchphrase "Chase me!" tragically passed away this morning.
Emotional tributes have poured in since the news was confirmed today.
One person who met Duncan said: "The God Cast has been a wonderful gift to me, and has enabled me to meet some of my favorite people. One of those people was the comedian Duncan Norvelle.
"Sadly his family have recently announced that Duncan died earlier this morning.
"Duncan was incredibly gentle and kind and remains one of comedy heroes, and it was a privilege to spend some time in his company.
I send my love and prayers to Linda.
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"May Duncan rest in peace and rise in glory."
Another shared on X: "So sad to hear of the passing of Duncan Norvelle, a very funny man with the most incredible Charisma and a lovely guy to top it off. RIP Sir."
"So sad to hear lovely Duncan Norvell passed away this morning. A comedy legend and one of the nicest people ever," agreed someone else.
"Always had fantastic stories - RIP Duncan Norvelle."
Jess Conrad OBE added: "I'm sorry to hear of the passing of @DuncanChaseMe. He was a fixture on the showbiz circuit for years with his famous "chase me!" catchphrase.
"Gone way too young, he will be dearly missed."
Someone else posted under the hashtag #chaseme: "Rest in peace Duncan Norvelle another British comedy legend taken soon."
Duncan was open about suffering a stroke in 2012 which left him paralysed down the left side of his body.
He was put into an induced coma, forced to stay in hospital for nine weeks and told he might never walk again.
But the resilient star made a come back in 2015 with a stage performance at the Embassy Theatre.
All funds were donated to the Stroke Association.
The comedian said previously: "I felt this one jolting through my entire body and it seemed to go on for ever."
“I saw a lot of stroke patients give up and not question what the doctors were saying to them but I was determined to get better and live my life," he added.
Before the strokes, Duncan had complained of a "terrible headache" and went to bed early.
But when he got up, he collapsed to the floor and passed out.
When he couldn't move the left side of his body he knew what had happened.
Once he was in hospital, the TV star suffered a second stroke.
Experts at the Stroke Association revealed one in eight patients die within the first 30 days of having a stroke.
Of those who survive, one in three will be left with severe cognitive disabilities such as memory loss or language difficulties.
But Duncan was miraculously able to make a full recovery, including clear speech and only relying on a stick for support to walk.
He campaigned to raise awareness after the medical episodes.
“I would urge people to get their blood pressure checked regularly and to get help straight away if they experience sudden facial or arm weakness or slurred speech as these are all symptoms of a stroke," he warned.
"It's a killer and I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones," he added.
When Linda visited him in the hospital at the start of his recovery, she was told he had a heart attack.
"When I saw him I was shocked. His face had fallen and he couldn't lift his head from the pillow. I hadn't realised how serious a stroke could be," she said.
More tributes following the tragic news today read: "So sad to hear of the passing of Duncan Norvelle, a very funny man with the most incredible Charisma and a lovely guy to top it off. RIP Sir."
A close pal said: "Duncan Norvelle has sadly passed away aged only 66 Duncan was a dear friend a great entertainer a character who was a major star on TV and live shows in theatres, Duncan you will be greatly missed."
Another shared a length obituary on Facebook which read: "I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of my friend and Brother Water Rat Duncan Norvelle today.
"Duncan was a giant in the comedy world. He recovered and returned from a major stroke to continue to make the world laugh and he will be sadly missed.
"I remember doing many major TV shows with Duncan back in the day such as Live from the Palladium and Seaside Special and the Children’s Royal Variety Performance amongst others.
"He was a unique and original talent who always had the crowds in uproar!
"I sometimes forget that I appeared on so many TV shows with these great entertainers as a violin headliner in my own right as a very young man.
"We have lost so many… but they will never be forgotten. Love to Lynn and Duncan’s family Jasmin, Jack and Sophie at this very sad time. #chaseme."
Someone else said they were "absolutely devastated" and said Duncan "had been unwell in recent months".
Nevertheless, his death "has come as a shock to those of us who truly loved him".
"Especially Penny and me who will miss his sense of humour and permanent wit," she added.
"Now you can be without pain and paralysis and be who you really want to be."
Duncan rose to fame on the ITV variety show Saturday Royal in the early 1980s.
He then blessed thousands of Brits' screens in 1991 when he appeared on the ITV comedy panel game show Through the Keyhole.
In 2008 the comedian impressed fans when he went on tour with the Ricky Tomlinson Laughter Show.
He also spent the 2009 pantomime season playing Buttons in Cinderella in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
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In 2011, he appeared on Celebrity Come Dine with Me with Sean Hughes, Gina Yashere and Paul Tonkinson.
Duncan was born on April 2, 1958, in Loughborough, Leicestershire.
