Bobby Ball: The Comedy Legend Who Made Britain Laugh for Six Decades

A Comedy Icon Remembered

Bobby Ball, born Robert Harper on 28 January 1944, was a British comic, actor, singer and television host who captured the hearts of millions. He was best known as a member of the comic double act Cannon and Ball, with Tommy Cannon, a partnership that would define British comedy for generations. The entertainer sadly died in hospital on October 28, 2020 aged 76 after testing positive for Covid-19 and suffering from breathing problems.

From Factory Welder to Television Stardom

Ball’s journey to fame was remarkable. He attended Crompton House C of E school, Shaw, Oldham, and briefly studied Shipping Management at Wigan Mining & Technical College before going to work in a factory as a welder, where he also met his future partner in comedy, Thomas Derbyshire (Tommy Cannon). The duo’s primetime Saturday night television series The Cannon and Ball Show, was one of LWT’s most successful series, with consistently high viewing ratings that lasted for nine years between 1979 and 1988.

Their ITV Cannon and Ball Show pulled in 20million viewers at its peak – and in 1985 their summer season theatre performances out-sold Bruce Springsteen’s British tour, demonstrating their immense popularity during the 1980s.

A Remarkable Career Transformation

Beyond his double-act success, Ball enjoyed a prolific solo acting career. In 2009, Ball was cast as Frank in the long-running BBC One sitcom Not Going Out. Ball made his final appearance as Frank in the eleventh season, which began airing in January 2021, and was filmed a few weeks before his death. He also appeared in numerous other beloved British programmes, including Last of the Summer Wine, Heartbeat, Mount Pleasant, and Benidorm.

A defining moment in Ball’s life came in 1986, when he gave his life to Christ in 1985 after meeting theatre chaplain Rev Max Wigley. “I mean if you’ve ever seen a change in somebody, like a St Paul conversion, it was Bobby Ball”, recalled his friend Chris Gidney, describing the transformation as “phenomenal”.

A Lasting Legacy

Ball’s impact extends beyond his death. A 9ft statue in memory of the great star was unveiled in Lowther Gardens in Lytham this summer in 2022, ensuring his legacy continues to bring joy to residents and visitors. Widely loved for his mischievous nature and his ability to make all the generations laugh, Bobby was also known for having a ‘heart of gold’, and for his strong belief in giving back to the community.

For readers and fans, Bobby Ball’s story serves as a testament to how talent, humility, and transformation can create an enduring legacy. His contributions to British comedy remain treasured, and his influence continues to inspire new generations of entertainers who remember him as one of the nation’s most beloved performers.