Duncan Norvelle dies aged 66
- Duncan Norvelle, the comedy star famed for his catchphrase "chase me", has died aged 66
- He died in hospital after suffering from a chest infection and sepsis
- His partner noted he was "probably the last of the legends of true variety comedy"
Comedian Duncan Norvelle has died aged 66.
The comedy star, famed for his catchphrase "chase me", passed away on Thursday morning after suffering from a chest infection and sepsis.
Born in East Midlands, Norvelle left school at 16 to work in a clothing shop. However, within a year - and having won a talent show whilst on holiday in Bournemouth - he quit to follow his goal of becoming a stage entertainer.
During his career, Norvelle performed stand-up sets at prestigious venues including the London Palladium, and appeared on TV programmes such as The Bob Monkhouse Show and Wogan.
His death was announced on his Facebook page in a note posted by his partner Lynn Trevallion, and his three children, Yasmin, Jack and Sophie.
Noting "his type of comedy doesn't happen anymore, he's probably the last of the legends of true variety comedy", Lynn said: "I just wanted another day with him, but I didn't want him back to suffer, he wasn't suffering, but I didn't want him just to linger."
Norvelle suffered a stroke in 2012, which paralysed his left side and left him unable to move his arm.
Lynn noted: "He got back on stage after his stroke and just proved to everyone that he could still get a standing ovation every single time he did a show. And he did loads and loads of shows after his stroke because they said [he] quite possibly would never walk or talk properly, and he could talk perfectly."