Cannon & Ball star Bobby Ball dies aged 76 in hospital after positive coronavirus test as other half of legendary double act Tommy Cannon pays tribute to his 'good friend'
- Comedian, actor and author had been at hospital with breathing problems
- Ball died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in Lancashire at 9.30pm last night
- Cannon says: 'Rock on, my good friend, I can't believe this, I'm devastated'
- Wife says: 'I will always miss him, he was so joyful, full of fun and mischievous
Bobby Ball, one half of comedy double act Cannon & Ball, has died 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 long-time comedy partner Cannon, 82, said: 'Rock on, my good friend, I can't believe this, I'm devastated.'
And his wife Yvonne, who praised hospital staff for being 'wonderful' in their care for him, added: 'I will always miss him, he was so joyful, full of fun and mischievous.'
Bobby Ball appears on The Alan Titchmarsh Show on ITV in London on September 15, 2014
Ball (left) and Tommy Cannon at the British Soap Awards at MediaCityUK Salford in May 2013
Ball, wife Yvonne and their daughter Joanne are pictured for the Daily Mail in January 2007
Ball was born Robert Harper on January 28, 1944 and found fame on the The Cannon & Ball Show opposite his lifelong friend Tommy Cannon.
He also appeared in TV series including Last Of The Summer Wine, Heartbeat, Mount Pleasant, Benidorm, The Cockfields and Not Going Out.
The duo appeared together on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2005.
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.
Ball and his wife Yvonne Harper on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in December 2005
Tommy Cannon (left) and Bobby Ball (right) pose for an ITV publicity photo in May 2001
Comedy duo Cannon (left) and Ball (right) are pictured together in April 1993
'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.
'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.'
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
Cannon (left) and Ball (right) preparing for their first film 'Boys In Blue', outside the Dominion Theatre in London in May 1982
Cannon (left) and Ball (right) outside the Dominion Theatre in London's West End in May 1982
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.'
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.'
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'.
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