DID YOU KNOW? Bobby Ball

With Tommy Cannon, Bobby was one of the star acts of the 1980s. As ITV pays tribute to him (10.15pm), we look back at the life of the comedian who died in October…

● Born Robert Harper on January 28, 1944, Bobby grew up in Oldham, Lancashire. He met his future comedy partner, Thomas Derbyshire, aka Tommy Cannon (centre, with Bobby), while working in a factory as a welder.

● Bobby and Tommy started to hone their double act at pubs and clubs in the north of England, starting out as a musical act – until they learned that comics earned more money.

● The pair made their television debut in 1968, on the talent show Opportunity Knocks, but it wasn’t to be their moment. Bobby recalled: ‘We were terrible… We were the proverbial “Opportunity flops’’.’

● In 1978, they were given a regular slot on Bruce Forsyth’s Big Night. That wasn’t a hit, but it helped them to land The Cannon And Ball Show, which ran for nine series on ITV from 1979 to 1988 – and at its height, attracted audiences of 20 million.

● After their show ended, the duo continued to perform together – on tour, in panto and, in 2005, in I’m A Celebrity – but Bobby also took solo acting roles. He played Lenny in Last Of The Summer Wine, Barry in Mount Pleasant (2011-17) and Lee’s annoying dad, Frank, in Not Goingout (2009-20, see above).