Jimmy Cricket said he was “shocked and saddened” to hear fellow comedian and friend Bobby Ball had died.
Bobby, one half of the famous comedy double act Cannon and Ball, passed away at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Wednesday aged 76.
The actor and comedian had tested positive for Covid-19.
His long-time friend and colleague Tommy Cannon led the tributes to Bobby, saying: “Rock on, my good friend, I can’t believe this, I’m devastated.”
Bobby also starred in several popular sitcoms.
They included Not Going Out, Last of the Summer Wine and Benidorm.
Jimmy said Bobby – pictured right on the photo above – was “an original funny man”.
He added: “He made us laugh and cry, we all loved him.
“With his partner Tommy, Cannon and Ball were one of the finest Comedy Double Acts to grace our stages!
“Our thoughts & prayers are with Yvonne and his family.”
Bobby was born in Oldham on 28 January 1944.
He met Tommy while working in a factory as a welder.
Cannon and Ball – their real names are Thomas Derbyshire and Robert Harper – began their entertainment careers as comedians on the cabaret circuit in the north of England.
Bobby was famous for twanging his braces on stage and saying: “Rock on, Tommy!”
The other famous entertainers on the photo above – including Jimmy of course – are the Krankies, Frank Carson and Paul Daniels.
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