ChuckleVision facts for kids
Quick facts for kids ChuckleVision |
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ChuckleVision title card (series 3 to 21)
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| Genre | Physical comedy |
| Created by | The Chuckle Brothers |
| Written by | John Sayle Rory Clark Chuckle Brothers and others |
| Directed by | Martin Hughes, et al. |
| Starring | The Chuckle Brothers |
| Theme music composer | Dave Cooke |
| Opening theme | "ChuckleVision" |
| Composer(s) | Dave Cooke |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of series | 21 |
| No. of episodes | 292 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Martin Hughes |
| Production location(s) | Rotherham, England (series 3–21) |
| Running time | 20 minutes (1987–1989, 1991–2001) 15 minutes (1989–1990, 2002–2009) 30 minutes (2008) |
| Production company(s) | BBC |
| Release | |
| Original network | BBC One (1987–2009) CBBC (2002–2009) |
| Picture format | 4:3 (1987–2000) (2000–2009) |
| Original release | 26 September 1987 – 18 December 2009 |
| Chronology | |
| Related shows | To Me... To You... (1996–1998) Chuckle Time (2018) |
ChuckleVision was a super popular British TV show made by Martin Hughes and the Chuckle Brothers for the BBC. It starred brothers Barry and Paul Elliott, known as the Chuckle Brothers. Sometimes, their older brothers, Jimmy and Brian Elliott (who were called the Patton Brothers), also appeared. The show ran for a very long time, from 1987 to 2009, with 292 episodes across 21 series! In 2019, fans even voted it the best CBBC show ever in a Radio Times poll.
Contents
What Happens in ChuckleVision?
Most ChuckleVision episodes were separate stories. Paul and Barry would usually take on a new job, a special task, or go on an exciting adventure.
Meet "No Slacking"
Often, the brothers worked for a character known as "No Slacking." This character was played by their real-life older brother, Jimmy Patton. Even though he looked different in every episode, he always said his famous line: "And remember, No Slacking!" Paul and Barry usually caused a lot of trouble for him!
The "Getoutofit!" Guy
Jimmy's comedy partner, his brother Brian Patton, also appeared in many episodes. He often played a bad guy with his own catchphrase: "Getoutofit!" A big part of the show's humor came from slapstick, which means funny physical comedy like tripping or falling.
Dan the Van and the Chuckmobile
The brothers sometimes worked for "Dan the Van." You almost never saw his face on screen. In one episode, he was completely covered in bandages! Dan's relatives, like his grandmother "Lettuce the Van," were also sometimes mentioned.
The Chuckle Brothers' main way of getting around was their special vehicle, "The Chuckmobile." It was a quadracycle with a cool red-and-white striped roof. Barry usually drove, while Paul relaxed with his feet up. Paul hardly ever pedaled! The vehicle's license plate was CHUCKLE 1.
Early Episodes and Storylines
The first two series (1987–1989) were a bit different. Each episode focused on a specific topic, a bit like the show Blue Peter. These early episodes were not often seen after they first aired. Later, they were released on DVD in 2011. The first series even had a part called "Armchair Theatre" where Billy Butler told a story. A magician named Simon Lovell also performed tricks.
Later, some series had a continuous story. For example, in Series 14 (2002), the brothers searched for a missing ruby throughout the whole series. Series 15 had two three-part stories called "The Purple Pimple" and "Magnetic Distraction." Series 16 featured a two-part story called "Incredible Shrinking Barry." After that, the show went back to stand-alone episodes.
Who Are the Characters?
- Paul Chuckle (played by Paul Elliott)
- Barry Chuckle (played by Barry Elliott)
- No Slacking (played by Jimmy Patton, series 3–21)
- Getoutofit (played by Brian Patton, series 7–20)
Paul is usually the one in charge, but his overconfidence often gets them into trouble. When things go wrong, Paul often blames Barry. He also tends to make Barry do all the hard work while he takes the credit! Neither brother is super smart, which makes their adventures even funnier.
Chuckle Catchphrases
Paul and Barry both have Northern English accents and lots of funny catchphrases. Some of their most famous lines involve one brother replying to the other:
- "To me" is always followed by "To you!"
- "Silly you" is met with "'Course it is, silly me!"
- When something goes wrong, "Oh dear" is often followed by "Oh dear, oh dear," and sometimes even "Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear!"
Football Fun
The brothers are big fans of Rotherham United F.C., a football team. They often mentioned the team in the show. In one episode called "Football Heroes," Paul and Barry even played for Rotherham! Paul scored an own-goal but thought it was a real goal and celebrated with Barry.
Awards and Recognition
On December 9, 2018, ChuckleVision received its first award! It was a Special Recognition award at the I Talk Telly Awards. The founder, Elliot Gonzalez, chose the winner himself.
Paul Chuckle shared his excitement on Twitter, saying, "After 292 episodes spanning 22 years this is the first time EVER that ChuckleVision has been recognised for an award so thank you @elliot_gonzalez and italktelly.com."
