Bobby Ball was filming BBC’s Not Going Out weeks before his death aged 76
‘Rock on, my good friend’: Devastated Tommy Cannon leads tributes to comedy partner Bobby Ball who has died aged 76 after positive coronavirus test
- Comedian, actor and author had been at Blackpool Victoria Hospital with breathing problems
- His family had initially thought he had a chest infection but he received positive Covid-19 test
- His comedy partner Cannon says: ‘Rock on, my good friend, I can’t believe this, I’m devastated’
- Wife of 46 years Yvonne says: ‘I will always miss him, he was so joyful, full of fun and mischievous’
- Survived by sons Robert and Darren with first wife Joan Lynn, plus daughter Joanne with Yvonne
Tommy Cannon said he was ‘devastated’ today following the death of his long-time comedy partner Bobby Ball aged 76 after testing positive for coronavirus.
The comedian, actor and author had been at Blackpool Victoria Hospital with breathing problems but passed away at 9.30pm last night.
His family initially thought Ball had a chest infection when he was taken to the Lancashire hospital, but a test found he had contracted Covid-19.
Ball’s comedy partner Cannon, 82, said: ‘Rock on, my good friend, I can’t believe this, I’m devastated.’ Ball was known for twanging his braces while saying: ‘Rock on, Tommy.’
Cannon later tweeted: ‘I’m absolutely devastated, I’ve lost my partner, my best friend and the funniest man I know. Thank you for your messages, prayers and love.’
And his wife Yvonne, who praised hospital staff for being ‘wonderful’ in caring for him, added: ‘I will always miss him, he was so joyful, full of fun and mischievous.’
Ball (left) and Tommy Cannon at the British Soap Awards at MediaCityUK Salford in May 2013
Cannon and Ball sing together at the London Palladium in the West End on ITV in June 1987
Tommy Ball at the final of Britain’s Got Talent in Wembley, North West London, in June 2010
Ball, wife Yvonne and their daughter Joanne are pictured for the Daily Mail in January 2007
Ball and his wife Yvonne on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in December 2005
Ball was born Robert Harper on January 28, 1944 and found fame on the The Cannon & Ball Show from 1979 to 1988 opposite his lifelong friend Cannon.
Oldham-born Ball met Cannon, real name Thomas Derbyshire, while he was working in a factory as a welder.
After the success of The Cannon & Ball Show, Ball appeared in a string of TV series including as Lenny in Last Of The Summer Wine from 2005 to 2008.
He also played Topsy Turner in Heartbeat and appeared in Mount Pleasant, Benidorm and The Cockfields.
Ball played Lee Mack’s troublesome father Frank in the BBC One sitcom Not Going Out from 2009 and competed in a Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special in 2012.
He also appeared in TV series including Last Of The Summer Wine, Heartbeat, Mount Pleasant, Benidorm, The Cockfields and Not Going Out.
The duo starred together in the films The Boys in Blue 1982 and Mr H Is Late in 1988, and appeared on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2005.
He is survived by two sons, Robert and Darren, with his first wife Joan Lynn, as well as his daughter Joanne with Yvonne Nugent.
The couple, who have been living in Lytham, Lancashire, and have been married for 46 years, have 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Ball was patron of the local NHS Blue Skies charity and the couple recently organised a variety event which raised £30,000 towards the development of the dementia garden at Clifton Hospital in Lytham.
Ball’s manager Phil Dale said: ‘It is with great personal sadness that on behalf of Yvonne Ball, and the family, and Tommy Cannon, I announce that Bobby Ball passed away at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on October 28, 2020 (at) approximately 9.30pm.
‘Bobby had been taken to the hospital for tests as he started with breathing problems. At first it was thought to be a chest infection but a test proved positive for Covid-19.
‘His wife Yvonne said the hospital and staff could not have been more wonderful, as they were outstanding in their care of duty and they did everything possible for him and she cannot praise them enough.
Ball takes part in the NHS Clap For Carers at his home in Lytham, Lancashire, in May this year
Cannon and Ball laugh as they appear on the ITV programme Lorraine on March 27, 2018
Cannon (right) and Ball (left) with singer Kim Wilde on series eight of their TV series Cannon & Ball in 1987
‘She said that the family and Tommy would like to express their sincere thanks to the many, many people who have been fans of Bobby and they know that they will all share in part the great loss and total sadness that Yvonne, the family and Tommy all feel.
‘Yvonne added that their need for privacy at this time has to be a priority. No further announcements or statements will be made.’
Mr Dale added: ‘Bobby was a true comedy star who loved entertaining people and he loved life itself. I spoke to him every day and it would always end in laughter.’
This Morning hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby both paid tribute to Bobby Ball on their show.
Schofield said: ‘He was such a lovely man. A genuinely lovely, sweet, kind man…’
In November 2005, Ball took part in the fifth series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!
Ball kisses his wife Yvonne following his appearance on I’m A Celebrity in December 2005
Tommy Cannon (left) and Bobby Ball (right) pose for an ITV publicity photo in May 2001
Willoughby added: ‘Yes. Such a lovely man… and our thoughts are obviously with his friends and family at this time. Sending you all lots of love.’
I’m A Celebrity host Declan Donnelly said: ‘So sad to hear of the passing of Bobby Ball, one of my absolute favourite performers growing up and one of our favourite ever camp mates on I’m A Celebrity. Rest In Peace, Bobby. Rock On, Tommy’.
And singer Robbie Williams tweeted: ‘God bless you, Bobby Ball. Thank you for the memories and the laughter. RIP Red heart.’
Blue singer Antony Costa, who took part in I’m A Celebrity with Ball, tweeted: ‘Just heard the news about my friend and fellow I’m A Celebrity contestant Bobby Ball.
‘I’m devastated by the news. Thoughts go out to the Yvonne and the family. RIP Bobby Ball. So, so sad.’
Cannon (right) and Balk with model Erica Preston outside the London Palladium for a photocall for the ‘Babes in the Wood’ pantomime in April 1987
Cannon and Ball sing together during series eight of their TV programme in June 1987
Cannon (left) and Ball (right) with guests The Nolans (left to right) Bernie Nolan, Coleen Nolan, Maureen Nolan and Anne Nolan ahead of their summer season in Bournemouth in May 1986
Comedian Jason Manford said: ‘So heartbroken to read about the passing of comedy legend Bobby Ball. Such a hilarious man.
‘The comedy community is a poorer place without him. Rock On. RIP, Bobby Ball.’
And TV star Les Dennis said: ‘Just heard the sad news that the wonderful Bobby Ball has died. He was a true entertainer with real funny bones. Thoughts with Tommy, Yvonne and his family at this sad time. RIP, Bobby’.
BBC radio presenter Tony Blackburn tweeted: ‘So sorry to hear that Bobby Ball has passed away. He was a very funny man and gave us some good comedy over the years. RIP, thanks for the laughs’.
Ball on The Cannon & Ball Show on ITV in June 1984. The show ran from 1979 to 1988
Cannon and Ball were co-stars in the movie The Boys in Blue, pictured in November 1982
Cannon and Ball at the Children’s Royal Variety Performance in June 1982
Bobby Ball with his wife Yvonne and their daughter Joanne in a family photograph in January 2007
Actor and comedian Rufus Hound said Ball was ‘the making of my childhood Saturday nights’ and recalled he was ‘made up’ when he got to work with the duo on a radio programme.
He wrote on Twitter: ‘Being on stage with Cannon & Ball was like the Comedy Gods telling me ‘Well done son. You did it. You’re worthy’.
‘That spark. The chaos of Bobby. Just always so on point. In a world of Oxbridge graduates controlling comedy on TV, Bobby was something more rare and more precious.
‘Him and Tommy founded their double act in a factory. Proper working class boys – originally both singers who, upon finding out that the comedians got paid more, flipped to that instead.
‘Everything about their shows now looks jagged and dated, but powering the whole thing was Bobby’s glittering mischief.
Ball (left) with comedian Les Dawson in June 1981. Dawson died aged 62 in June 1993
Cannon (left) and Ball pose together for a portrait photograph in Manchester in 1980
Cannon and Ball in September 1978 with London Weekend Television team Jimmy Edwards, Bruce Forsyth, ex Dior model Anthea Redfern and Charlie Drake
‘One look, one pose, one stretch of those braces and he had millions right there with him. He could go from villain to hero to nightmare to victim and back again in a single sketch but you were never not with him.
‘There are plenty of comedians – brilliant funny men and women – whose writing and craft is the making of them.
‘But then there are the others. The ones who are sent here from another dimension to be funny in a way that defies logic or analysis. They just have ‘it’.
‘Bobby Ball was the first bloke that I ever saw on telly who had that. The making of my childhood Saturday nights.
‘Today the world lost someone incredibly special & I stand here now, in my kitchen, typing this through tears because 40 years later, he still means the world to me.
‘If there is a heaven, he’s in it now. And if I ever get there myself, I can’t wait to clamber over the holy choir of cherubim and seraphim shouting ‘I know him!’
Shane Richie tweeted a picture of himself with Ball, saying: ‘Thirty-five years ago my hero became my friend.
‘You always knew when Bobby was in the room, he could make you laugh and cry with just a look.
Hospital where Bobby Ball died sees highest number of beds taken up by Covid-19 patients
The hospital where comedian Bobby Ball died has seen the highest number of beds taken up by coronavirus patients in the UK, it emerged today.
A doctor at Blackpool Victoria Hospital said operations there could be axed unless coronavirus cases go down.
Blackpool Victoria Hospital in Lancashire
Dr Jim Gardner, medical director at the NHS trust which runs the hospital, said they are being overrun with patients and have been forced to cancel surgical procedures to cope.
He said there were 128 coronavirus patients on wards at Blackpool Victoria and 50 at Clifton Hospital in St Annes.
Some 18 are in the Vic’s intensive care unit, though there are more fighting for their lives who tested positive more than 14 days ago. Some 21 people had died after testing positive for the virus since last Wednesday.
He said: ‘That gives a sense of just how serious the situation is for the hospital and for the community at the moment.’
Blackpool’s infection rate continues to grow. It now stands at 445.3 per 100,000 people, up from 314.8 the week before, with 621 new cases confirmed in just seven days.
‘The biggest heart and warmest smile that filled stages everywhere. I loved you Bobby Ball and I always will. Truly, truly one of a kind. Sleep well, cocker.’
And Peep Show star Neil Fitzmaurice tweeted: ‘I’m on my way to The Sharpe Project.
‘A place we filmed Mount Pleasant at for eight years. A place we shared love and laughter with Bobby Ball. I’ve just heard he’s gone. Heartbroken doesn’t cover it.
‘A wonderful, funny, kind extremely talented gentleman. God bless you, Bobby.’
Their co-star Daniel Ryan added: ‘My pal. My teacher. My surrogate Dad. My dance partner. Not sure I can get over this. RIP Bob.’
And DailyMail.com US editor-at-large Piers Morgan tweeted: ‘Bobby Ball, 76 – a wonderfully funny man who has died from Covid-19. Sad news.’
BBC Comedy controller Shane Allen said: ‘We are devastated to hear the sad news of Bobby Ball passing away. He was a powder keg of comedy who entertained audiences of all ages for decades.
‘He was funny to the end, having just completed his work on the forthcoming Not Going Out series and we all feel immensely privileged to have enjoyed the benefit of his talents. Our thoughts are with family and friends at this sad time.’
Nick Knowles tweeted: ‘Sad news Bobby Ball has died. I went to see C&B when they were at the top of their game in the west end – he just had funny bones. RIP’.
Loose Women’s Sherrie Hewson tweeted: ‘Heartbroken that my gorgeous funny talented generous friend Bobby Ball has gone.
‘He made me laugh more than anyone I know. He will be so missed by millions. He will always be in our hearts. Love you, Bobs.’
Actress Diane Morgan, who starred alongside Ball in The Cockfields, tweeted: ‘So sad to hear about Bobby Ball. He was such a treat to work with. Never stopped making us all laugh. We’ll miss you Bobby,’
And Oldham Athletic tweeted: ‘Oldham Athletic would like to pass on its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Bobby Ball after seeing the sad news of his passing.
‘Forever remembered thanks to the iconic ‘Boys In Blue’ cup final soundtrack. #OAFC Cos’ the Latics will do anything for Oldham.’
And a tweet from the Rochdale Hornets said: ‘Rochdale Hornets is today saddened to learn of the passing of former director and comedy legend, Bobby Ball. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Bobby’s loved ones’.
Qdos Pantomimes tweeted: ‘It’s a very sad day in Pantoland as we mark the passing of our much-loved friend, the legendary Bobby Ball.
‘His comic and pantomime legacy will never be forgotten and we send our deepest condolences to his beloved family, and, of course, his best pal Tommy’.
From the cabaret circuit to a household name: How comedian Bobby Ball delighted audiences with slapstick and wordplay for four decades
Bobby Ball – who has died aged 76 after testing positive for Covid-19 – rose from the cabaret circuit of northern England to become a household name.
As part of the duo Cannon & Ball, with long-standing partner Tommy Cannon, he delighted the nation with slapstick and wordplay.
He also forged an acting career with parts in popular TV series including Last Of The Summer Wine, Heartbeat, Mount Pleasant, Benidorm, The Cockfields and Not Going Out.
Long-time comedy partners Cannon and Ball had their own TV show, pictured in June 1980
Bobby Ball appears on The Alan Titchmarsh Show on ITV in London on September 15, 2014
Ball was born Robert Harper on January 28 1944 at Boundary Park General Hospital in Oldham, Greater Manchester, to Bob and May Harper.
He attended High Crompton Secondary in Oldham and later went to work in a factory as a welder, where he met his long-standing partner in showbusiness, Thomas Derbyshire.
The pair adopted stage names – Bobby Ball and Tommy Cannon – and started out as comics on the cabaret circuit in the north of England.
Ball was known for twanging his braces on stage and declaring: ‘Rock on, Tommy.’
Their career took off in earnest after their first big show in 1979.
Cannon and Ball are pictured in the first year of their comedy TV programme, in June 1979
Cannon and Ball appear together in series nine of their television show in June 1988
Primetime Saturday night series The Cannon & Ball Show ran until 1988 and was one of the London Weekend Television network’s most successful entertainment programmes.
In 1982 they starred in the film The Boys In Blue and guest starred in Eric Sykes slapstick film Mr H Is Late in 1988.
Other notable guest appearances included The Kenny Everett Show in 1982 and Shooting Stars in 1996.
However, between 1983 and 1986 the pair are reported to have not spoken to each other outside of performances and rehearsals, with Ball later blaming their falling out on ‘gossiping’ assistants.
Nevertheless, when faced with two unsuccessful sitcoms and mounting bills the pair were forced to embark on a gruelling tour schedule and set their differences aside.
Cannon and Ball both appeared in a series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2005
Cannon and Ball pose for a photograph outside the London Palladium in April 1987
Ball appeared in a string of TV series including as Lenny in Last Of The Summer Wine from 2005 to 2008.
He also played Topsy Turner in Heartbeat and appeared in Mount Pleasant, Benidorm and The Cockfields.
Ball played Lee Mack’s troublesome father Frank in the BBC One sitcom Not Going Out since 2009 and in 2012 competed in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
During a pantomime in Bradford at Christmas 1986, Ball took the first steps to becoming a born-again Christian, with Cannon following soon after.
Some jokes made by the pair during their early career were criticised as racist, and both later expressed regret over them.
Ball (centre) with his family including wife Yvonne (second right) and their daughter Joanne (far left) in a picture on his wife’s Facebook profile posted in January 2017
Comedy duo Cannon (left) and Ball (right) are pictured together in April 1993
In 2005, the pair took part in the fifth series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
He was the sixth contestant to be voted off, after Cannon had left earlier in the show. As he left he said ‘Oh man, that’s fantastic folks, that’s it, I’m off,’ and shouted to his wife: ‘I’m coming home.’
Ball told Ant and Dec of his ten-night stay in the jungle: ‘The first night was very hard, I thought about walking out many times, I thought I wanted to leave and that I could not do this. But the camp mates were very supportive.’
Ball’s final TV appearance came in 2019 with The Cockfields, a comedy series set on the Isle of Wight, in which he played Ray.
Cannon and Ball, who had their own show from 1979 to 1988, pose in Manchester in 1980
Cannon (left) and Ball (right) preparing for their first film ‘Boys In Blue’, outside the Dominion Theatre in London in May 1982
He married his first wife, Joan Lynn, in 1964, and they had two sons, Robert, born in 1965, and Darren, born 1969.
They separated in 1970 and Ball married Yvonne Nugent in 1974, with daughter Joanne arriving in 1972.
Married for 46 years, the couple lived in Lytham, Lancashire. The couple have 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Ball was patron of the local NHS Blue Skies charity and the couple recently organised a variety event which raised £30,000 towards the development of the dementia garden at Clifton Hospital in Lytham.
