Wigan celebrities and fans among those paying tribute to 'comedy genius' Bobby Ball

The comedian, actor and author was a regular visitor to Wigan and had many fans in the borough, as well as around the world.

He had been in hospital with breathing problems and tested positive for Covid-19. He died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital at around 9.30pm on Wednesday.

His manager Phil Dale said: “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.”

Yvonne, his wife of 46 years, added: “I will always miss him, he was so joyful, full of fun and mischievous.”

Cannon, with whom Ball found fame on the smash hit The Cannon And Ball Show, which ran from 1979 to 1988, said: “Rock on, my good friend, I can’t believe this, I’m devastated.”

Ball was born Robert Harper on January 28, 1944 in Oldham and met Cannon, real name Thomas Derbyshire, while he was working in a factory as a welder.

After the success of The Cannon And Ball Show he appeared in a string of TV series, including as Lenny in Last Of The Summer Wine from 2005 to 2008.

He also played Topsy Turner in Heartbeat and appeared in Mount Pleasant, Benidorm and The Cockfields.

Ball played Lee Mack’s troublesome father Frank in the BBC One sitcom Not Going Out since 2009 and in 2012 competed in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

His death has come as a shock to many, both famous faces and fans who met Ball or simply enjoyed the entertainment he provided.

Wigan-based actor and Loose Women presenter Sherrie Hewson tweeted: “Heartbroken that my gorgeous funny talented generous friend Bobby Ball has gone. He made me laugh more than anyone I know. He will be so missed by millions. He will always be in our hearts . Love you Bobs xxxxxx”.

Coronation Street start Kel Allen, from Wigan, tweeted: "Thanks for all of the belly laughs & giggles Bobby Ball! I loved Canon & Ball so much growing up. Pulling on my braces & changing his catch phrase to; ‘Rock on Bobby!’ Cos that’s exactly what he did! Rocked this world with his humour. Absolutely comedy genius! #RIPBobbyBall"

Sky News presenter Kay Burley said: "RIP #BobbyBall. From Lancashire welder to TV superstar. Here with his sidekick Tommy Cannon. Rock on Bobby. We’ll miss you. He was 76."

On Wigan Today's Facebook page, Kevin Shepherd said: "Bobby and Tommy were on prime time tv on Saturday nights when I was a kid. More recently played Lee Macks dad in Not going out. A funny and much respected chap, will be sadly missed. RIP."

Wyn Card said: "So very sad I loved this man always made me laugh! I first saw him & Tommy at the Garrick theatre in Leigh a long time ago & loved them both ever since, Rip Bobby x"

Elaine Robinson said: "Such sad news, I remember meeting him in Hindley in a talk he was doing. So down to earth so lovely. He shall be missed by everyone. RIP Bobby, our prayer are with your family and friends x"

Maureen Heyes said: "Shocked and saddened to hear this news. Such a lovely, funny guy. Joined our company on a Caribbean cruise some years ago and more recently bumped into him in his home town Lytham. Condolences to his family. R I P"

Wendy Moss said: "Won’t be as many laughs in the world without Bobby Ball. Remember him visiting the Pentecostal Church in Pottery Road with Tommy Cannon."

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