Legendary Black Country comedian Aynuk dies as son pays tribute
A member of a legendary Black Country comic duo described as the area's "greatest ambassador" has died in hospital after a short illness aged 84.
Alan Smith, known as Aynuk in the duo of Aynuk and Ayli, died on Tuesday.
He was described as a "wonderful, loving and caring father" by his son, Paul, who announced his death on Wednesday morning.
Mr Smith, from Netherton, became famous due to his double act John Plant, alias Ayli, and the pair spent 22 years together before Mr Plant's death in 2006.
In a statement paying tribute to Mr Smith, Paul Smith posted on Facebook: "It is with deep sadness that I announce my father, Alan Smith, aka Aynuk, passed away in the early hours of March 22, after a short stay in hospital, aged 84.
"My sister and I have lost a wonderful, loving and caring father - my mom has lost her lifelong soulmate, and his many grandchildren have lost their best friend.
"And, the Black Country has lost its' greatest ambassador. A man of love, humour and a man of faith, I know he will rise in glory and his legacy will remain forever. I am so very proud of you dad."
It has prompted a flurry of tributes to the comedian, with one saying he was a "bostin bloke" who will be missed by "millions", whilst another added: "My deepest condolences mate your dad was proper gent and legend in the Black Country."
Our pick of Aynuk and Ayli's best jokes
Ayli was late for work and the gaffer asked him where he had been.
Ayli: “I’ve been to ‘av me ‘air cut.”
Gaffer: “In the firm’s time?”
Ayli: “Well it grows in the firm’s time, doh it?”
Gaffer: “It doh all grow in the firm’s time!”
Ayli: “I day ‘av it all cut off !”
***
Aynuk was walking down the road when a dirty and dishevelled man rushed up to him and said.
“Have you seen a lorry load of pigs go by?”
“No” , said Aynuk, “ave yo’ dropped off ?”
***
Ayli went along to a parents’ night at his nipper’s school.
“How’s our Tommy comin’ on?” he asked the teacher.
“Well,” came the reply, “he’s in a class of his own.”
Ayli was chuffed. “I day know ‘e was that clever.”
“Oh he’s not,” said the teacher, “but he smells!”
***
Aynuk and Ayli are standing in Aynuk’s back garden. Aynuk’s next door neighbour is running up and down his back garden pretending he’s riding a motorbike.
Ayli says, “what’s up wi im?”. Aynuk says, “tek no notice he’s saft in the yed he thinks he’s in the Isle o mon in the TT rerces”.
Ayli says, “but he ay got a bike yo orter tell him”. “Bugger off,” says Aynuk, “he pays me a fiver a wik to clean it.”
***
Aynuk: “Wot’s the difference between a buffalo and a bison?”
Ali: “Dow now mate.”
Aynuk: “You cor wash yer onds in a buffalo.”
***
Aynuk saw Ayli walking down the rod pulling a piece of string.
Aynuk: “Wot am yow doin pullin that pace o’string?” Ayli: “Wul yow troi pushin it”.
Did you ever see Aynuk and Ayli perform? Share your memories in the comments below.
