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Famous brothers Paul and Barry Chuckle became national treasures when they entertained the nation for decades as the Chuckle Brothers. The duo fronted BBC's Chucklevision from 1987 until 2009.

Nine years later, Barry tragically lost his battle with bone cancer - leaving Paul alone for the first time. When asked how his work has had to change with Barry no longer here, Paul told Express.co.uk: "Obviously, I can't do a stand-up act anymore because the comedy act that we did, we did together. I'd feel silly talking to myself on stage, so I can't do that. But when I do pantomime, I feel like Barry jumps into my body when I walk out onto the stage. He is always with me. We work together through me on the stage." Right up until Barry's death, the brothers continued to work together, both on screen and off. When the cameras weren't rolling, they both worked closely with many charities, one of which was Marie Curie.

The brothers became official ambassadors for Marie Curie in October 2016 and together they regularly helped to raise funds and awareness, donated auction prizes for events, and supported campaigns on social media.

Paul, who's real name is Paul Elliott, has now been made an MBE in the New Year Honours list. He is set to visit the Royals later this year to collect the prestigious accolade for his outstanding contributions to the UK's leading end-of-life charity.

Following Barry's death, Paul has continued to be an active Marie Curie Ambassador. Having experienced first-hand the invaluable care Barry received from Marie Curie nurses, Paul has a deeply personal connection to the charity.

Paul said that receiving the award was a "huge surprise" and he didn't expect it at all. In fact, when he received the letter back in November, he thought it was from the hospital as it had blue on the envelope.

He told Express.co.uk: "I had no clue whatsoever. I opened it up and it was just a fabulous feeling."

In a statement, he added: "It was so kind of the charity to put me forwards for this recognition, when really, it's them - the doctors and nurses, the hospice staff, the charity shop staff, the Marie Curie volunteers - who deserve an award. Every day they help make the end of life less frightening and less painful for so many families."

In 2026, Paul will be taking part in his biggest Marie Curie fundraising challenge yet, to celebrate 40 years of the charity's Great Daffodil Appeal and deliver some special thank yous across the UK.