British TV legend “in the mix” for Celebrity Big Brother | HO

Could a certain iconic children’s TV star be making his way to the Big Brother house?

One of Britain’s most beloved TV stars might just be gearing up for a stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house, and it’s already got fans buzzing.

The rumour mill is churning, and whispers suggest that Paul Chuckle—yes, one half of the legendary Chuckle Brothers—was in the running for the latest series before a last-minute shuffle.

According to reports, Paul was initially lined up for this year’s edition of the reality juggernaut, but alas, it seems he was edged out, with Louis Walsh allegedly swooping in to take his place.

The revival series, which has already seen some big names like This Morning’s Fern Britton and X Factor’s Sharon Osbourne entering the iconic house, might have had an even bigger dose of nostalgia if Paul had made the cut.

A source revealed to The Sun, revealing: “After Louis and Kate Middleton’s ‘Uncle Gary’ Goldsmith were booked, the cast was skewed a little in terms of age. So Paul was dropped.”

But all hope isn’t lost! The source also hinted that Paul’s name is still very much “in the mix” for the celebrity edition slated for March next year.

Paul himself has hinted at the possibility, saying on Johnny Seifert’s Secure The Insecure podcast: “They were talking about having me in the first Celebrity Big Brother this year, but then decided against it for some reason, but I’m still open for next year.”

When pressed on whether he could still join the line-up, he cheekily responded: “Yeah, possibly.”

For those somehow unfamiliar, Paul, whose real name is Paul Elliot, found fame alongside his late brother Barry in the much-loved children’s TV show ChuckleVision.

The show, which first graced our screens in 1987, became an institution over its 22-year run, with the iconic “To me, to you” catchphrase still bringing smiles to faces today.

The dynamic duo even snagged a Special Award for Lifetime Achievement at the British Academy Children’s Awards in 2008.

After the final series aired in 2009, Paul and Barry continued to make appearances on various TV shows, cementing their place in British pop culture until Barry’s heartbreaking passing in 2018 after a battle with bone cancer.

Paul has since shared touching stories of feeling his brother’s presence, even revealing in 2022 that Barry’s spirit gave him a reassuring wink and thumbs-up before his first solo performance.

Speaking exclusively with virginradio.co.uk, the British comedy legend – beloved for his and Barry’s Chuckle Brothers comedy act – opened up about the emotional occasion while discussing recent research from Co-op Funeral Care.

After Barry’s death his funeral was at the pair’s beloved Rotherham United’s New York Stadium, and focused on celebrating the ChuckleVision star’s life with joy, as well as mourning him with sadness.

“Although it’s always very sad when you lose someone… the funeral itself doesn’t have to be a sad, sad occasion,” Paul said.

“We had Barry’s funeral at Rotherham United’s ground, New York Stadium, and all our showbiz friends and family were all there,” he continued.

“And although it was very sad, obviously, carrying his coffin in and stuff, it steadily got nicer through the day, because it was light-hearted.

“Everybody talked about their own stories, about what they remember about Barry, the nicest memories and what have you… everybody had such a good time at his funeral, which is a great thing,” the actor added.

“It was remembering him and you know, championing his life. It was a nice way for him to go.”

So, could we be seeing Paul bring a bit of ChuckleVision magic to the Big Brother house next year?

Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—fans would be in for a real treat. To me, to you… to the Big Brother house, perhaps?