Ronnie Barker's brave decision about his death that left Ronnie Corbett in tears

26 December 2023 , 15:00

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Ronnie Corbett remembered the 'nostalgic tears' they shared after their final performance together (Image: Reg Wilson/REX/Shutterstock)

Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett weren't just best pals on-screen but away from cameras too, with the much-loved British comedy duo supporting each other right until the end.

The pair spent more than 40 years working together, after meeting in a London bar in 1963, where Corbett was working as a barman between jobs. They developed a friendship and a winning partnership, and The Two Ronnies became a national institution with 17 million viewers hooked on their brilliant sketches.

Barker tragically died aged 76 in 2005 following a long history of heart trouble, while Corbett passed away aged 85 in 2016, having been diagnosed with a suspected form of motor neurone disease. Before Barker's death, he was determined to record one final Christmas special of The Two Ronnies in 2005.

The episode was recorded just three months before Barker sadly died, and it was a hugely brave and difficult decision for the star to act when he was 'so fragile'. In an emotional interview with The Standard, Corbett revealed the tear-jerking moment they finished their final scene together.

"When he stood and hugged me at the end of the show tears ran down his cheeks. I didn't dare start blubbing myself," Corbett said. "Everybody knew it was the end, but nobody said so. It was emotional, but he was determined to do that Christmas show. He was so fragile. I kept thinking: 'Why do you want to put yourself through this?'"

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Corbett recalled the "nostalgic, fond tears" they shared and remembered how quickly Barker's health deteriorated at the end. He said he'd heard from Ron's wife, Joy Barker, that he'd "been living to make this last great professional effort". Corbett added: "I think we were both lucky: lucky to be a success in this business; lucky to be able to enjoy the proceeds of it in a nice house with a nice family; and I was lucky to find someone clever enough to fit me."

• The Two Ronnies Christmas Sketchbook airs on repeat on BBC Two at 5.45pm today on Tuesday, December 26.

Nia Dalton