The other half of legendary Black Country comedy duo Aynuk and Ayli proved the show must go on with a brave performance at Dudley Concert Hall.

Alan Smith, better known as Aynuk, had yesterday afternoon’s audience laughing in the aisles, despite the death of his long-term comedy partner, John Plant, just a week earlier.

Dressed in a Home Guard outfit and hard hat, Aynuk was given a rapturous reception by the packed crowd as he made his first appearance since the death of his partner of 22 years.

Read the full story in the Express & Star

The other half of legendary Black Country comedy duo Aynuk and Ayli proved the show must go on with a brave performance at Dudley Concert Hall.

Alan Smith, better known as Aynuk, had yesterday afternoon’s audience laughing in the aisles, despite the death of his long-term comedy partner, John Plant, just a week earlier.

Dressed in a Home Guard outfit and hard hat, Aynuk was given a rapturous reception by the packed crowd as he made his first appearance since the death of his partner of 22 years.

The funnyman reeled off a string of hilarious jokes about life in the Black Country during the Second World War, including one about how his grandmother demanded to go back to the house to pick up her false teeth, despite the fact an air raid was going on.

“Why?,” the grandfather asked. “They’re dropping bombs, not cheese cobs.”

However, the performance was tinged with sadness when he almost said goodbye from the pair of them when he left the stage.

The 69-year-old clearly missed his “old mucker” and he stumbled on several occasions, as though expecting his pal to chip in with a comment or caustic remark.

Mr Plant died at Russells Hall Hospital, in Dudley, last Tuesday night. He had been on a sell-out tour with Mr Smith when he was rushed to hospital where he spent several weeks confined to his hospital bed before losing his fight for life.

His death sparked a flood of tributes by fans shocked at the news and scores of mourners are expected at his funeral which will take place at St Andrews Church in his beloved Netherton this Friday.

Yesterday afternoon’s show also featured the talents of compere Tommy Mundon.

By Jon Wood