No Aylesbury statue for Ronnie Corbett as link is '˜too tenuous'

Sir David Jason shares a joke with Joy Barker and Ronnie Corbett at the unveiling of the Ronnie Barker statue outside Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Some fans wanted the statue to stand alongside the Ronnie Barker statue close to Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre.

The Ronnie Barker statue was unveiled by Corbett in 2010, his Two Ronnies co-star.

Barker began his acting career in the town, but Corbett was not linked to Aylesbury in the same way.

Councillor Neil Blake, leader of Aylesbury Vale District Council, said: “It’s very sad that Ronnie Corbett has passed away and we understand his fans wanting tributes to commemorate him.

“We appreciate that the suggestion of a statue in Aylesbury, which originated from Northern Ireland, has attracted interest on social media but, in this case, do not see it as a suitable tribute.

“A statue is a big investment, whoever pays for it, and there are many considerations not least the links to the town and respecting the views and wishes of the Corbett family which are unknown.

“The call for a statue alongside that of Ronnie Barker seems to come from a wish to see the ‘Two Ronnies’ united as their comedy double act.

“However, Ronnie Barker is very clearly portrayed during his solo success in ‘Porridge’, and unlike Ronnie Barker, who started his career in the town, Ronnie Corbett’s local link is tenuous.”