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Bobby Ball dies after testing positive for the coronavirus

Watch: Comedian Bobby Ball dies aged 76

Entertainer Bobby Ball has died at the age of 76 after testing positive for the coronavirus.

The comedian, actor and singer – who was one half of the double act Cannon & Ball - had been in hospital with breathing problems and passed away on 28th October.

His comedy partner Tommy Cannon said he was “devastated” at the news.

Bobby Ball (Getty)
Bobby Ball (Getty)

Ball’s death was confirmed to PA by his manager Phil Dale, who said in a statement: “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.

File photo dated 17/05/82 of comedians Tommy Cannon (left) and Bobby Ball preparing for their first film "Boys In Blue", outside the Dominion Theatre, London. Bobby Ball, one half of the comedy double act Cannon and Ball, has died at the age of 76 after testing positive for Covid-19, his manager has said.
Tommy Cannon (left) and Bobby Ball (PA)

“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.”

File photo dated 05/06/10 of Bobby Ball of Cannon and Ball arriving for the final of Britain's Got Talent, at The Fountain Studios in Wembley, north London. Bobby Ball, one half of the comedy double act Cannon and Ball, has died at the age of 76 after testing positive for Covid-19, his manager has said.
Bobby Ball (PA)

Yvonne - who said the family’s need for privacy at this time was a priority - said she would always miss her late husband, calling him “joyful, full of fun and mischievous”.

Ball was best known for his double act with Cannon, with the pair hosting their own programme, The Cannon And Ball Show, in the late 70s and 80s.

Read more: Emmerdale casts comedian Tommy Cannon as 'exciting' new character

The Lancashire-born comedian also appeared in television shows such as Heartbeat, Benidorm and Last Of The Summer Wine.

File photo dated 18/05/13 of Tommy Cannon (right) and Bobby Ball arriving for the 2013 British Soap Awards at MediaCityUK, Salford, Manchester. Bobby Ball, one half of the comedy double act Cannon and Ball, has died at the age of 76 after testing positive for Covid-19, his manager has said.
Tommy Cannon (right) and Bobby Ball (PA)

In 2005 he was a contestant on reality series I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! alongside Cannon, but was the sixth person to be eliminated.

Cannon, 82, paid tribute after Ball’s death, saying: “Rock on, my good friend, I can’t believe this, I’m devastated.”

Additional reporting by PA.

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