Yahoo News Not Going Out viewers pay tribute to late star during festive special
Not Going Out viewers have paid tribute to the late Bobby Ball following his appearance in the BBC comedy's New Year's special tonight (December 30).
The actor, who played Lee Mack's father Frank in the BBC comedy, tragically passed away in October following a battle with COVID-19.
On Twitter, comedian Les Dennis led the tributes by writing: "Bobby Ball was wonderful in Not Going Out tonight. I did a Would I Lie To You just before he passed. Lee Mack spoke with such affection for him. Miss your huge warmth and talent. #rockontommy."
In the episode, Lee and Lucy (Sally Bretton) invited their parents round to ring in the New Year with some festive games.
But things quickly turned less-than festive when the subject turned to New Year's resolutions and who should make what pledge.
Viewers praised Ball for his performance as Frank, with many sharing how much they will miss him.
One viewer tweeted: "Sad seeing Bobby Ball knowing he's just passed away but great seeing him putting a smile on our faces as always in 'Not Going Out'".
Another added: "So sad watching the #NotGoingOut Christmas Special with the late great Bobby Ball. His last appearance on telly and he always brings a smile to peoples faces."
Bobby Ball was wonderful in Not Going Out tonight. I did a Would I Lie To You just before he passed. Lee Mack spoke with such affection for him. Miss your huge warmth and talent. #rockontommy pic.twitter.com/Wxb3V5Iolh
— Les Dennis (@LesDennis) December 30, 2020
Sad seeing Bobby Ball knowing he’s just passed away but great seeing him putting a smile on our faces as always in ‘Not Going Out’.
RIP BB 🙏 #notgoingout pic.twitter.com/pQxpAOcm5D— Lee Partridge (@LeePartridge16) December 30, 2020
So sad watching the #NotGoingOut Christmas Special with the late great Bobby Ball. His last appearance on telly and he always brings a smile to peoples faces. https://t.co/PikJrMIJQU
— David Stevenson (@DaveStevenson_) December 30, 2020
That was really fun, and surprisingly it was incredibly poignant as well. Really sad seeing Bobby Ball there as well, he brought so much heart to this show. Looking forward to the new series next week. #NotGoingOut
— Erin ミ☆ (@_erinz_) December 30, 2020
One last Bobby Ball on #NotGoingOut. Funny until the end. RIP, and thanks for every laugh along the way.
— Andy Powell (@MrAndyPowell) December 30, 2020
Not Going Out special tonight was fantastic, beautifully written, very funny - Bobby Ball was one of the best and I’m so grateful to say I was lucky enough to see him live when I was a bit younger - he’ll always be remembered fondly #notgoingout #BobbyBall ❤️
— Jodie 🌸🎄☃️ (@jodie_h5xox) December 30, 2020
#notgoingout Amazing. Possibly the funniest yet and considering the high standard of this ever evolving comedy that is the highest praise indeed. A fitting way for a legend in Bobby Ball to take a final well deserved bow.
— The Last Blairite #TrueLabour (@LastBlairite) December 30, 2020
The writing and performances in #NotGoingOut have been superb. Bobby Ball looks so healthy and full of life. A virtuoso performance. So sad. RIP
— Nookie Bore (@dominic4346) December 30, 2020
#NotGoingOut was brilliant it reminded me why I love this show. So funny, but also so thoughtful, reflective of this year and extremely poignant and sad seeing the legendary Bobby Ball appear, and he was on top form in this episode.
— Daniel Brown (@DanJBrownMUFC) December 30, 2020
Ball will appear as Frank in the show's 11th series which was filmed earlier this year. The series is set to begin on BBC One on January 8.
Speaking at the time of Ball's passing, Mack said: "I'm utterly shocked and devastated to lose my mate Bobby like this.
"I filmed with him just a few weeks ago and he was his usual funny and cheeky self.
"To get to work with one of my childhood comedy heroes was great. But to call him a friend was even better. Rest In Peace Bobby."
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