Bobby Ball of Cannon and Ball dies aged 76

Oldham born Bobby Ball has died after testing positive for coronavirus at the age of 76.

His manager, Phil Dale, has confirmed that he passed away at Blackpool Victoria Hospital last night (28th October) at around 9.30pm. In a statement he said:

"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."

He was one half of the comedy double act Cannon and Ball and hosted the ITV show for nearly a decade between 1979 and 1988.

His on-screen partner Tommy Cannon has called him a "good friend" adding he was "devastated" at the news.

They first met at Boden's Trailers in Royton in the early 60s, where Tommy was a welder. 

Reminiscing on their meeting, Tommy said:

"There were five-hundred men on the workfloor, and on my first day, Bobby was the only one who spoke to me. He just said "alright, pal" and that was it".

They became a comic pairing after Bobby realised that comics were being paid £3 more than singers a night, which was what he was doing on his own before adding Tommy to the mix.

The duo continued to tour up and down the country, packing out theatres in the UK. They due to perform at the Oldham Coliseum back in April after mrore than 20 years but it was postponed due to the UK lockdown.

In later life, he appeared on "I'm a Celebrity", and the sitcoms "Not Going Out" and "Mount Pleasant".

Bobby was a regular visitor to the town as his sister still lives near to where he used to live in Shaw. 

He has been described as a local legend and will be missed by many.

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