Rock on Bobby.. tributes to Ball
PAL TOMMY’S TRIBUTE
TRIBUTES flooded in last night for “joyful” comic and I’m A Celebrity star Bobby Ball, who has died aged 76.
The funnyman – one half of double act Cannon & Ball – died in Blackpool after testing positive for coronavirus.
His comedy partner Tommy Cannon led celebrity tributes, saying: “I’m absolutely devastated, I’ve lost my partner, my best friend and the funniest man I know. Rock on, my good friend, I can’t believe this.”
And wife Yvonne said: “I will always miss him. He was so joyful, full of fun and mischievous.”
His manager Phil Dale said the comic was taken to hospital with a suspected chest infection. He tested positive for Covid- 19 and died on Wednesday night.
TV’S Les Dennis said yesterday: “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.”
A post on the Twitter page of
The Nolans said they were “devastated” by the news of Ball’s death. It added: “He and his family have been a very big part of our life for decades.
“He was a wonderful artist. Not just a comedian but a singer, musician & actor – but most of all a wonderful human being who will be greatly missed & never forgotten.” Comedian Tim Vine also paid tribute, saying he was “so very shocked and sad” at hearing the news of Bobby’s death. He added: “Such a funny funny man. To be on the receiving end of that twinkly smile was pure joy.”
Favourite
Cannon & Ball became the pioneers of the variety show format and hosted The Cannon & Ball Show on ITV from 1979 to 1988.
In a TV interview in January, Bobby, whose catchphrase was “Rock On Tommy”, said he felt “fantastic” and had been “very lucky” in his career with him.
Bobby, born Robert Harper in Oldham, appeared with Tommy on I’m a Celebrity in 2005. Presenter Declan Donnelly tweeted: “One of my absolute favourite performers.”
He also played Lee Mack’s dad in his BBC comedy Not Going Out. Lee said: “I filmed with him just a few weeks ago and he was his usual funny and cheeky self. To get to work with one of my childhood comedy heroes was great. But to call him a friend was even better. Rest In Peace Bobby x.” Bobby is survived by wife Yvonne and three children.
WHAT tragic news that Bobby Ball has died.
The comedy legend has been taken far too soon after testing positive for Covid- 19.
It’s another dreadful reminder this blasted virus can get anyone.
And that we should all use our loaf to protect lives by keeping our distance, wearing a mask when appropriate and generally not being morons.
Bobby’s double act with Tommy Cannon kept us entertained for decades.
They were from the golden generation of comedians who could make us laugh without being crude or nasty.
He was also a regular on- screen for younger viewers in smash hits like Not Going Out.
So it is terrible to see him depart the entertainment world at just 76 when you felt he had so much more to give. But he will never be forgotten. Rock on, Bobby!