Bobby Ball dead at 76: Tommy Cannon and Les Dennis pay tribute after Cannon and Ball star passes away from coronavirus
TOMMY Cannon and Les Dennis have led the tributes to Bobby Ball after he passed away at the age of 76.
The news of the comedian’s death from coronavirus was confirmed by his manager today, and the world of comedy was quick to come out and pay tribute.
His lifelong friend and co-star Tommy said today: “Rock on, my good friend, I can’t believe this, I’m devastated.”
TV star Les described Ball as a “true entertainer with real funny bones”.
In a tweet, he shared: “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”.
Blue singer Antony Costa, who took part in I’m A Celebrity alongside Ball in 2005, added he was “devastated by the news”.
He said: “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 R.I.P #bobbyball xx so so sad x”.
Comedian Jason Manford said he was “heartbroken” at the news.
He tweeted: “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. #RockOn #RIPBobbyBall”.
Celebrity Juice star Keith Lemon was another comedian to pay tribute, saying: “Sad times. I met him only a couple of times but he was a lovely man and very funny. Salute Bobby Ball. Thank you for all your funny times. RIP x.”
Meanwhile Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley wrote: “Dearest Bobby,rest in peace,you legend,you beauty,always at the end of the phone for me. Making me laugh since I was born. You will be so very missed, the laughter in heaven today will be exceedingly loud #rockontommy #rip.
“Tommy, Yvonne my prayers are with you. All we will hear over and over and over, is what a AMAZING, LOVELY, BIG HEARTED man you are #godbless #sleepwell #missed.”
X Factor star Joe McElderry wrote: “Very sad to hear the passing of Bobby Ball! I got to spend time working with him a couple of years back!
“And we had the best time! Love and thoughts to his family and @TheTommyCannon.”
Journalist Kay Burley penned: “RIP #BobbyBall. From Lancashire welder to TV superstar. Here with his sidekick Tommy Cannon. Rock on Bobby. We’ll miss you. He was 76.”
Radio presenter Tony Blackburn shared: “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. R.I.P. thanks for the laughs”.
‘Allo ‘Allo! star Vicki Michelle tweeted: “Nooo so sad to hear about lovely Bobby Ball. Fab memories working with #CannonandBall & going for drinks together.
“Always such fun even when he accidentally gave me a black eye! Huge loss. My heart goes out to Yvonne, family & @TheTommyCannon ‘Rock On’ in heaven Bobby #BobbyBall.”
Former footballer Chris Kamara took to social media, saying: “Had the pleasure of meeting Bobby Ball a couple of times over the years & gutted to hear he has passed away.
“RIP Bobby & my condolences to all his family & friends & the other half of that fantastic double act @TheTommyCannon.”
Rufus Hound commented: “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.”
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Bobby’s manager revealed the star passed away at Blackpool Victoria Hospital last night.
Bobby, one half of the comedy double act Cannon & Ball, was rushed to hospital after experiencing breathing problems.
He later tested positive for Covid-19 and died at approximately 9.30pm last night.
His heartbroken wife Yvonne said: “I will always miss him, he was so joyful, full of fun and mischievous.”