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{{Short description|British comedian (1958–2024)}} |
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'''Duncan Norvelle''' (born [[1958]], [[at Hoton, near Loughborough]],[[Leicestershire]], [[England]], [[United Kingdom|UK]]) is a [[comedian]] in the finest traditions of [[Variety show|variety]] who achieved prominence on television from the early [[1980s]]. Renowned for his camp persona, Norvelle's act essentially revolves around the pretence that he is [[gay]] although he is also an accomplished impressionist and singer. In the mid-1980s, he recorded the pilot for a show which would become [[Blind Date]] although [[LWT]] executives elected not to proceed with him as host since his act was considered too risque. Despite this, Norvelle remained a performer in demand through the 1980s and continued to guest on numerous shows. |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}} |
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{{Infobox person |
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| name = Duncan Norvelle |
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| image = Cropped_Photo_of_Duncan_Norvelle.jpg |
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| birth_name = |
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| birth_date = {{Birth date|1958|4|2|df=y}} |
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| birth_place = [[Hoton]], [[Leicestershire]], England |
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| death_date = {{Death date and age|2024|12|12|1958|4|2|df=y}} |
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| death_place = [[Boston, Lincolnshire]], England |
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| occupation = |
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| spouse = |
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}} |
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'''Duncan A. Norvelle''' (2 April 1958 – 12 December 2024) was an English comedian in the [[Variety show|variety]] tradition, who appeared on British television from the early 1980s. He was often referred to as Duncan "Chase me" Norvelle, stemming from his [[catchphrase]] "Chase me!"<ref name="star" /> His act was based on appearing to be a stereotypical [[Camp (style)|camp]] [[Homosexuality|homosexual]] despite being heterosexual and married three times.<ref name="Daily Record">{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BARRYMORE'S+WIFE+FALLS+FOR+ANOTHER+CAMP+COMIC.-a060560256 |title=Barrymore's Wife Falls For Another Camp Comic |website=Thefreelibrary.com |date= |access-date=2016-01-20}}</ref> |
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By the early [[1990s]], however, the tide of television was turning, and the presence of a [[heterosexual]] performer reinforcing negative stereotypes of [[gay]] men was increasingly deemed offensive. He continues to perform in summer seasons, pantomimes and on cruise liners. |
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==Early life and career== |
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'''Catchphrases''' |
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Norvelle was born in [[Hoton]], near [[Loughborough]], in [[Leicestershire]]. In the mid 1980s, he hosted an unscreened pilot dating show called ''It's a Hoot'' for [[London Weekend Television]].<ref name="BFI">{{cite web|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tv/id/533997/ |title=BFI Screenonline: Blind Date (1985-2003) |website=Screenonline.org.uk |date= |access-date=2016-01-20}}</ref><ref name="Independent">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/granadas-hot-new-date-it-started-30-years-ago-as-one-mans-tentative-idea-today-as-blind-date-it-is-one-of-the-most-valuable-properties-in-british-television--and-like-it-or-not-a-part-of-our-national-heritage-1427314.html|title= Independent on Sunday, 6 March 1994 | work=The Independent | location=London | first=Luke | last=Jennings | date=6 March 1994 | access-date=1 May 2010}}</ref> The series was eventually re-titled ''[[Blind Date (UK TV series)|Blind Date]]'' and hosted by [[Liverpool|Liverpudlian]] singer and entertainer [[Cilla Black]].<ref name="Independent"/> In 1991, Duncan appeared on the [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]] comedy panel game show ''[[Through the Keyhole]]''. He also appeared on ''[[Wogan]]'', ''[[Surprise Surprise (British TV series)|Surprise Surprise]]'', ''[[The Bob Monkhouse Show]]'', ''[[Bullseye (British game show)|Bullseye]]'', ''[[Blankety Blank]]'' and ''[[The Keith Harris Show]]''. |
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Chase Me! |
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''Kiss the chaffinch to reveal the truth'' |
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2008 saw him go out on tour as part of the ''[[Ricky Tomlinson]] Laughter Show''.<ref name=star>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140504225246/http://www.thestar.co.uk/what-s-on/out-about/ricky-tomlinson-meets-scargill-at-opening-gallery-1-236597 Ricky Tomlinson meets Scargill at opening - GALLERY] ''[[Sheffield Star|The Star]]'', 6 March 2008. Archived from [http://www.thestar.co.uk/barnsley/Ricky-Tomlinson-meets-Scargill-at.3849351.jp the original] on 4 May 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2021</ref> Norvelle spent the 2009 [[pantomime]] season playing [[Buttons (pantomime)|Buttons]] in ''[[Cinderella#Pantomime|Cinderella]]'' in [[Doncaster]], South Yorkshire. |
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There is a fans group for him www.duncannorvellefanclub.co.uk |
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In 2011, he appeared on ''[[Come Dine with Me#Series 24: Primetime|Celebrity Come Dine with Me]]'' with [[Sean Hughes (comedian)|Sean Hughes]], [[Gina Yashere]] and [[Paul Tonkinson]]. |
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In 2019, he appeared on an 80s special edition of ''[[Pointless Celebrities]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c77jn31nxmdo|title=Comic Duncan Norvelle, famed for 'chase me' catchphrase, dies|work=[[BBC News]]|first=Emma|last=Saunders|date=12 December 2024|access-date=13 December 2024}}</ref> |
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His ''In the Club'' DVD was released on 16 January 2006 by Boulevard Entertainment, and he appeared on the ''Ricky Tomlinson Laughter Show Live DVD'' - the latter includes a brief interview. He also released an album, ''Music from My Life'', in 2017.<ref>https://musicbrainz.org/release/48e83ee6-2818-4b05-aa08-22cdf60196c8</ref> |
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==Illness and death== |
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Norvelle was hospitalised in 2012 after suffering a stroke, leaving him paralysed down the left side of his body.<ref name="BBC News">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-18455361| title= BBC News - Comedian Duncan Norvelle suffers stroke|website=BBC | date=15 June 2012 | access-date=22 June 2012}}</ref> After nine weeks in hospital, he cancelled his summer season with comedy duo [[Cannon and Ball]], and was replaced by [[Stu Francis]].<ref name="BBC News" /> |
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In 2015, Norvelle chose the Embassy Theatre, [[Skegness]], as his first performance after over three years off-stage, promising that funds from his show would be allocated to the [[Stroke Association]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170204004404/http://www.bostonstandard.co.uk/news/comedian-returns-to-stage-at-skegness-following-life-changing-illness-1-6887082 Comedian returns to stage at Skegness following life changing illness] ''[[Boston Standard]]'', 7 August 2015. Archived from [http://www.bostonstandard.co.uk/news/comedian-returns-to-stage-at-skegness-following-life-changing-illness-1-6887082 the original] on 4 February 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2021</ref> In the last few years of his life, he would also be filmed in Skegness at Neville Henshaw and Loraine Parker's 1960s themed Beeston Lodge Hotel for the Channel 5 series ''[[Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun|Bargain-Loving Brits by the Sea]]''.<ref>https://www.lincolnshireworld.com/news/comedian-aims-to-showcase-resorts-talent-752648</ref><ref>https://www.channel5.com/show/bargain-loving-brits-by-the-sea/season-1/episode-1</ref> |
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Norvelle died from a chest infection and [[sepsis]] at [[Pilgrim Hospital]] in [[Boston, Lincolnshire]], on 12 December 2024, at the age of 66.<ref>{{cite news |title=Duncan Norvelle obituary: Camp comedian with lively heterosexual private life |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/obituaries/article/duncan-norvelle-obituary-camp-comedian-with-lively-heterosexual-private-life-j999vcwqt |access-date=26 December 2024 |publisher=The Times |date=26 December 2024}}</ref> His death was announced by his partner, Linda Trevallion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Duncan Norvelle dies at 66 |url=https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2024/12/12/57173/duncan_norvelle_dies_at_66 |access-date=12 December 2024 |publisher=Chortle |date=12 December 2024}}</ref><ref name=bbc>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c77jn31nxmdo|title=Comic Duncan Norvelle, famed for 'chase me' catchphrase, dies|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=13 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/comedian-duncan-norvelle-hailed-as-a-legend-after-death-aged-66-13272471|title=Comedian Duncan Norvelle hailed as a 'legend' after death aged 66|publisher=Sky News|accessdate=13 December 2024}}</ref> Among those to pay tribute to him was fellow comedian [[Jimmy Cricket]], who described Norvelle as a "charismatic performer who thrilled audiences up and down the country with his style of humour and hilarious impressions."<ref name=bbc/> |
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==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
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* {{IMDb name|1090800}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Norvelle, Duncan}} |
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[[Category:1958 births]] |
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[[Category:2024 deaths]] |
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[[Category:English male comedians]] |
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[[Category:People from the Borough of Charnwood]] |
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[[Category:Comedians from Leicestershire]] |
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Latest revision as of 00:10, 26 December 2024
Duncan Norvelle | |
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| Born | 2 April 1958 Hoton, Leicestershire, England |
| Died | 12 December 2024 (aged 66) Boston, Lincolnshire, England |
Duncan A. Norvelle (2 April 1958 – 12 December 2024) was an English comedian in the variety tradition, who appeared on British television from the early 1980s. He was often referred to as Duncan "Chase me" Norvelle, stemming from his catchphrase "Chase me!"[1] His act was based on appearing to be a stereotypical camp homosexual despite being heterosexual and married three times.[2]
Early life and career
[edit]Norvelle was born in Hoton, near Loughborough, in Leicestershire. In the mid 1980s, he hosted an unscreened pilot dating show called It's a Hoot for London Weekend Television.[3][4] The series was eventually re-titled Blind Date and hosted by Liverpudlian singer and entertainer Cilla Black.[4] In 1991, Duncan appeared on the ITV comedy panel game show Through the Keyhole. He also appeared on Wogan, Surprise Surprise, The Bob Monkhouse Show, Bullseye, Blankety Blank and The Keith Harris Show.
2008 saw him go out on tour as part of the Ricky Tomlinson Laughter Show.[1] Norvelle spent the 2009 pantomime season playing Buttons in Cinderella in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
In 2011, he appeared on Celebrity Come Dine with Me with Sean Hughes, Gina Yashere and Paul Tonkinson.
In 2019, he appeared on an 80s special edition of Pointless Celebrities.[5] His In the Club DVD was released on 16 January 2006 by Boulevard Entertainment, and he appeared on the Ricky Tomlinson Laughter Show Live DVD - the latter includes a brief interview. He also released an album, Music from My Life, in 2017.[6]
Illness and death
[edit]Norvelle was hospitalised in 2012 after suffering a stroke, leaving him paralysed down the left side of his body.[7] After nine weeks in hospital, he cancelled his summer season with comedy duo Cannon and Ball, and was replaced by Stu Francis.[7]
In 2015, Norvelle chose the Embassy Theatre, Skegness, as his first performance after over three years off-stage, promising that funds from his show would be allocated to the Stroke Association.[8] In the last few years of his life, he would also be filmed in Skegness at Neville Henshaw and Loraine Parker's 1960s themed Beeston Lodge Hotel for the Channel 5 series Bargain-Loving Brits by the Sea.[9][10]
Norvelle died from a chest infection and sepsis at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Lincolnshire, on 12 December 2024, at the age of 66.[11] His death was announced by his partner, Linda Trevallion.[12][13][14] Among those to pay tribute to him was fellow comedian Jimmy Cricket, who described Norvelle as a "charismatic performer who thrilled audiences up and down the country with his style of humour and hilarious impressions."[13]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Ricky Tomlinson meets Scargill at opening - GALLERY The Star, 6 March 2008. Archived from the original on 4 May 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2021
- ^ "Barrymore's Wife Falls For Another Camp Comic". Thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
- ^ "BFI Screenonline: Blind Date (1985-2003)". Screenonline.org.uk. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
- ^ a b Jennings, Luke (6 March 1994). "Independent on Sunday, 6 March 1994". The Independent. London. Retrieved 1 May 2010.
- ^ Saunders, Emma (12 December 2024). "Comic Duncan Norvelle, famed for 'chase me' catchphrase, dies". BBC News. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
- ^ https://musicbrainz.org/release/48e83ee6-2818-4b05-aa08-22cdf60196c8
- ^ a b "BBC News - Comedian Duncan Norvelle suffers stroke". BBC. 15 June 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
- ^ Comedian returns to stage at Skegness following life changing illness Boston Standard, 7 August 2015. Archived from the original on 4 February 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2021
- ^ https://www.lincolnshireworld.com/news/comedian-aims-to-showcase-resorts-talent-752648
- ^ https://www.channel5.com/show/bargain-loving-brits-by-the-sea/season-1/episode-1
- ^ "Duncan Norvelle obituary: Camp comedian with lively heterosexual private life". The Times. 26 December 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ "Duncan Norvelle dies at 66". Chortle. 12 December 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ a b "Comic Duncan Norvelle, famed for 'chase me' catchphrase, dies". BBC News. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
- ^ "Comedian Duncan Norvelle hailed as a 'legend' after death aged 66". Sky News. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
External links
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