Cannon and Ball star Bobby Ball dies at 76 after Covid-19 diagnosis
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The death of the actor and comic, who also starred in BBC comedy series Not Going Out, was confirmed earlier this morning by his manager.
It comes after the star, 76, tested positive for Covid-19.
Ball was one half of the comedy duo alongside his long-time friend and colleague Tommy Cannon.
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Hide AdHe also starred in Last of the Summer Wine, Benidorm and Heartbeat.
Leading the tributes, Cannon said: "Rock on, my good friend, I can't believe this, I'm devastated."
His wife Yvonne added: "I will always miss him, he was so joyful, full of fun and mischievous."
Ball's manager Phil Dale announced "with great personal sadness" that the comedy actor died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Wednesday evening.
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Hide AdHe said Ball was admitted for tests due to breathing problems.
"At first it was thought to be a chest infection but a test proved positive for Covid-19," he said in a statement.
"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."
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Hide AdHe added that Ball's wife stressed their need for privacy at this time "has to be a priority" and no further announcements or statements will be made.
Cannon and Ball - whose real names are Thomas Derbyshire and Robert Harper - started out as comics on the cabaret circuit in the north of England.
Ball was famous for twanging his braces on stage, while saying: "Rock on, Tommy."
The pair later landed their own primetime TV show, which lasted 11 series.
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Hide AdThe Cannon and Ball Show, which was broadcast on Saturday nights, was one of the most popular series of its time, with consistently high viewing figures.
In 1982, the duo made a police comedy film entitled The Boys In Blue.
Cannon and Ball appeared together on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2005.