Comedian Duncan Norvelle, famed for ‘chase me’ catchphrase, dies aged 66

Duncan Norvelle, the comedian known for his popular catchphrase "chase me," was a familiar face on British television during Saturday nights in the 1980s. He has passed away at the age of 66 after battling a chest infection and sepsis.

His partner, Lynn Trevallion, remarked, “The kind of humor he brings is rare these days. He’s likely one of the last true icons of variety comedy, as many have already gone.”

He was a soft-spoken comedian who never used profanity during his performances. Sir Ken Dodd admired Duncan, describing him as similar to himself—a wholesome entertainer. For his 80th birthday, he asked Duncan to provide the entertainment.

A YouTube video featuring Norvelle on the iconic 80s quiz show 3-2-1 captures the essence of his performance. He struts onto the stage sporting a mullet hairstyle and a blue tuxedo jacket, playfully presenting the flower pinned to his lapel to a bearded man in the front row, teasingly encouraging him to "come after me."

Although his performance leaned into the gay stereotypes prevalent during that era, Norvelle was actually straight. He was part of a group of comedians, such as Cannon and Ball and Jim Davidson, who rose to fame on television after honing their skills in working men’s clubs and variety performances.

Eventually, a new wave of comics took over the mainstream, characterized by their left-leaning views, anarchic style, and political awareness. This group, initially referred to as "alternative comedians," featured notable figures like Ben Elton and French and Saunders.

Hailing from Horton in Leicestershire, Norvelle became a well-known stand-up comedian, performing at famous locations like the London Palladium. He also made appearances on television programs such as Wogan, The Bob Monkhouse Show, and The Keith Harris Show.

In 1985, he served as the host for a trial episode of a dating program named It’s a Hoot!, which eventually was rebranded as Blind Date, hosted by Cilla Black.

"In the first episode, Duncan struggled with the planning, but Cilla excelled at managing the precise movements—'turn left here, look into that camera, introduce this next,' Alan Boyd, the entertainment director at London Weekend Television, shared with the Guardian."

Norvelle experienced a stroke in 2012 that resulted in partial paralysis, yet he kept performing. “He returned to the stage following his stroke and consistently showed everyone that he could still earn a standing ovation at every performance,” Trevallion remarked.

"After his stroke, he performed many shows, despite doctors suggesting that he might never walk or speak well again. However, he spoke just fine."

Davidson expressed his sincere sympathy to Norvelle's family, saying, "Rest in peace, Duncan. You were and will always be a true comedian."

Comedian Jimmy Cricket, a fellow star from that time, remarked, “Duncan was a captivating entertainer who delighted audiences all over the country with his unique humor and side-splitting impersonations. He truly had an unyielding spirit! Rest in peace, dear friend.”

Gary Bushell, the ex-TV critic for the Sun, expressed his condolences, saying, "I’m really saddened to learn that we’ve lost the endearing comedian Duncan Norvelle. He’s now being pursued by angels."