Duggie Brown dies at 82

One of the stars of The Comedians

Seventies comedian Duggie Brown has died at the age of 82

The Rotherham-born stand-up came to prominence on The Comedians and its successor The Wheeltappers And Shunters Social Club.

He also performed on the music hall revival show The Good Old Days, had the lead in the short-lived 1979 sitcom Take My Wife, and played Dog Man in the BBC's Still Open All Hours.

Brown was also an actor, with his first role in Ken Loach's 1969 film Kes, playing a milkman. His last was on Coronation Street earlier this year, playing Ted Spear, a pedestrian hit by Faye Windass’s car after a New Year’s Eve party.

Brown was also one of the original co-hosts of the game show 3-2-1, with Ted Rogers and Chris Emmett, and from 1994 to 1996, he was a regular team captain on Barry Cryer's game show Cryer's Crackers.

His manager, Lee Morgan broke the news of Brown’s death on Twitter, posting: ‘It is with a heavy heart I share the news the very talented comedian and actor Duggie Brown passed away this morning with his wife Jackie by his side.

‘What an honour it was to work with Duggie. A born entertainer who loved his profession. RIP Duggie Brown. We love and salute you.’

Among those paying tribute was Tommy Cannon, who tweeted: ‘Really sad to hear about the passing of Duggie Brown, rest in peace pal, what a funny, funny man – thinking of all your friends and family.’

Brown’s real name was Barry Dudley and he was the brother of actress Lynne Perrie, who played Ivy Tilsley in Corrie.