Dave Lee Travis trial: Chuckle Brother 'surprised' by claims DJ assaulted a crew member

The Chucklebrothers allegedly interrupted Dave Lee Travis while he was assaulting a crew member

The Chuckle Brothers, Barry (left) and Paul Elliott gave evidence at Southwark Crown Court in London during the trial of Former DJ Dave Lee Travis (PA)

Claims that DJ Dave Lee Travis indecently assaulted a crew member at a pantomime came as “a complete surprise”, one of the Chuckle Brothers told London's Southwark Crown Court.

Children's entertainers Paul and Barry Elliott, of Chucklevision fame, starred alongside Mr Travis during a panto which Mr Travis is accused of indecently assaulting a female crew member in his theatre dressing room.

The woman previously told the court her ordeal ended when Mr Travis was allegedly interrupted by one of the Chuckle Brothers walking past in the corridor.

Giving evidence on Monday, 66-year-old Paul Elliott was asked by Mr Travis’ defence lawyer Stephen Vullo whether he recalled any inappropriate behaviour by the former Radio 1 star.

Mr Elliott replied: “No sorry, I don't. As I say it was a complete surprise.”

Mr Elliott, who starred in the BBC children's television series alongside his brother Barry, said Mr Travis was “very professional” during the panto.

Asked whether he was aware of any formal or informal arrangement to chaperone female staff members around Mr Travis, Mr Elliott replied: “Not that I recall, not at all.

"I think I would remember,” he added.

Mr Elliott said he and his brother would have been made aware of such a policy as they were “top of the bill”.

BBC Radio 1 presenter Dave Lee Travis in his studio at Broadcasting House, London, 14 January 1980. (Stuart Nicol/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

The comedian said he did not recall any particular incident when a female stage hand had left Mr Travis's dressing room.

During his evidence, Mr Elliott was warned by Judge Anthony Leonard after using the word “we” to recall his time in the panto.

“Please bear in mind it's your memories we're after,” the Judge said.

Travis, 68, from Buckinghamshire, is accused of indecently assaulting 10 women and sexually assaulting another in incidents dating back to 1976 and the height of his fame.

He denies all the charges.

Appearing in court under his birth name David Griffin, the alleged offences are claimed to have occurred when he was working as a BBC DJ, as a broadcaster with Classic Gold radio, while appearing on Top Of The Pops and when acting in panto.

Mr Travis, wearing a light grey jacket and turquoise tie, listened to the proceedings in the dock with the aid of earphones.

The case continues.

PA