The comedian Bobby Ball, who found fame with Tommy Cannon as the double act Cannon and Ball, has died at the age of 76. His manager said Ball had tested positive for Covid-19.
A statement read: "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 the 28th October 2020 approximately 21:30.
"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."
Ball's wife Yvonne said: "I will always miss him, he was so joyful, full of fun and mischievous."
Tommy Cannon said: "Rock on, my good friend. I can't believe this. I'm devastated."
Lifelong friends Cannon and Ball had an eponymous variety show on ITV for almost a decade. They had started out on the pub and club circuit before making their TV breakthrough.
They were cast in the lead roles in the 1982 film The Boys in Blue and also starred in Cannon and Ball's Playhouse and the spin-off, Plaza Patrol. In 2005, they were among the contestants on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.
Born Robert Harper, Ball also appeared in TV series including Last of the Summer Wine, Heartbeat, Mount Pleasant, Benidorm, The Cockfields and more recently played Lee's father Frank in Not Going Out.
