Duncan Norvelle, the comedian who shot to fame in the 1980s with his catchphrase ‘Chase me’ has died at the aged of 66.

Although his act was based on being a stereotypically camp gay man, Norvelle was straight and his parnter Linda Trevallion, broke the news on social media that he died at 8.15am today.

The comic had been living with the after-effects of a stroke in 2012 that left him paralysed down the left side of his body.

He was told  it was unlikely he would ever walk or talk properly again, but later said: '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.'

It took 18 months in hospital to regain his speech and mobility and he returned to the stage in 2015.

Born just outside Loughborough in the East Midlands, Norvelle  left school at 16 and took a job in a menswear shop - but within a year he quit to follow his dream of being an entertainer, spurred on by winning £20 in a talent show when  on holiday in Bournemouth.

Over his career he hosted the pilot of what would become Blind Date and was a regular on entertainment shows including Surprise Surprise! The Bob Monkhouse Show and Live from Her Majesty’s in the 1980s.  

In 2011, he appeared on Celebrity Come Dine With Me with fellow comics Sean Hughes, Gina Yashere and Paul Tonkinson.

Among those paying tribute today were comic Steve Royle, who wrote on social media: ‘A comedy legend and a lovely man. I’m so lucky to have known and worked with him. Thanks for the memories mate. RIP & get Saint Peter to chase you!’

Fellow comic Danny Posthill wrote: ‘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.’

Journalist Garry Bushell added: ‘ So sorry to hear we have lost loveable comic Duncan Norvelle. Angels are chasing him now.’