The world of entertainment and comedy has been paying tribute to Bobby Ball who has died at the age of 76.
Bobby died after contracting Covid-19, his management confirmed on Thursday morning.
In a statement, his spokesperson said that Bobby had first been taken to hospital for tests after experiencing breathing problems.
“At first it was thought to be a chest infection but a test proved positive for Covid-19,” they said.
Tommy Cannon, who partnered Bobby in the hugely successful Cannon and Ball double act, was one of the first to pay tribute to his friend.
“Rock on, my good friend, I can’t believe this, I’m devastated,” he said.
Fellow comic Les Dennis paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “Just heard the sad news that the wonderful Bobby Ball has died. He was a true entertainer with real funny bones. Thoughts with Tommy,Yvonne and his family at this sad time. RIP Bobby.”
Comedian Jason Manford paid his respects on Twitter, describing Bobby as a “comedy legend”.
“So heartbroken to read about the passing of comedy legend Bobby Ball,” he tweeted. “Such a hilarious man. The comedy community is a poorer place without him.”
Bobby was most famous for his work as one half of Cannon and Ball, who appeared in the variety show Bruce Forsyth’s Big Night, before landing their own series.
The Cannon And Ball Show went on to run for nine years, eventually coming to an end in December 1988.
Cannon and Ball first met when they began working in the same factory, before venturing into the world of comedy as a duo.
More recently, Bobby competed in the fifth series of I’m A Celebrity, and appeared in the Sky comedy Mount Pleasant.