Brain tumour claims his life

Australian comedian Ed Balls – best known for hosting a London new act night – has died from a brain tumour.

The comic, whose real name was Ed Rikard Bell, passed away in New South Wales last Sunday. It’s thought he was in his early forties.

He was regular compare and booker of the new act night at the Bedford Arms, Balham, for about a decade, giving many comics stage time when we were starting off.  He also ran a night at the Distillers Arms in Hammersmith, West London, around 2008.

Bell also wrote for the Big Breakfast, as well as Rory Bremner, The 11 O'Clock Show, Brian Conley, Week Ending and others, and was a script editor at Thames Television.

A keen rugby player and cyclist, who had the nickname ‘Nuts’, Bell had been undergoing surgery and radiotherapy for several years.

Comics paying tribute include Joseph Wilson who said: ‘That is terrible news. I send my love to his family, friends and his little girl in the West Country.

‘Ed you were a great supporter of me, mate, and I deeply appreciate it. All those talks after the Balham gig whilst you had your Guinness in one hand and your bike helmet in the other. A genuine kind affectionate man. One never forget the ones that help you when you start out and Ed you were one of those few guys.’

And Dave Dynamite, real name Dave Brockley, added: ‘This is the worst news. He was nothing but kind to me the years I knew him. He was one of the few people who I've never heard anyone say a bad word against. He even gave me my first computer.

‘My thoughts are with his family and all the other people who's lives ed touched... It's terrible news. It always seems to happen to good people. I've known Ed 12 years. He was a man of integrity who I have nothing but respect for. I'll miss him so much.’

Dan Evans said it was ‘a pleasure and privilege’ to know him , while Rich Wilson said he was a ‘top bloke indeed’

His funeral takes place at 11am on Monday at Craig's Hill Crematorium, 63 Middle Arm Road, Goulburn, New South Wales, followed by a wake at Maski, 508 Boobalaga Road, Crookwell.

Published: 18 Jan 2013