Chas solo after Dave's wife dies

Chas Hodges and Dave Peacock released their debut album in 1975

The wife of Dave Peacock, one half of cockney singing act Chas And Dave, has died after a battle against cancer.

Dave Peacock will not now perform in Ludlow, Shropshire, after his 62-year-old wife, Sue, died of cancer.

Chas Hodges said she was "instrumental behind the scenes for Chas And Dave" and was "loved by anyone who was lucky enough to know her".

The gig would go ahead at the Assembly Rooms on Friday without Dave, the pair's spokesman, Barry Collings, said.

Worked 'tirelessly'

In a statement issued on the duo's website, Chas said Sue Peacock was "a remarkable human being".

It said: "It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of Sue Peacock - Dave's wife of 36 years - on July 4th after a brave battle with lung cancer.

"Despite being a lifelong non-smoker, she was diagnosed with the disease at an advanced stage last November.

"Loved by anyone who was lucky enough to know her, she never had a negative point of view on anyone or anything even as it became clear she was losing her fight for life."

Chas described his wife, Joan, and Sue as inseparable best friends, he said Sue worked "tirelessly on the side of the business that musicians just aren't good at".

He added: "It's accurate to say that without Sue and Joan, there wouldn't have been Chas and Dave.

"To say that her death leaves a gaping hole in the lives of so many is an understatement beyond compare."