Half-hour retrospective coming soon

ITV is to air a tribute to Bobby Ball after his death last week at the age of 76.

The half hour show,  Rock On, Tommy – The Bobby Ball Story, will be narrated by his double-act partner, Tommy Cannon.

Cannon told the Mirror: ‘I'm heartbroken to have lost my best pal and comedy partner, but I'm so pleased that ITV are going to mark his career with this celebration - it will be nostalgic and emotional for all of us who knew Bobby, and for all the fans out there who felt like they did.’

The broadcaster says the show will ‘tell the story of how a factory welder from Oldham went on to become one of the most loved stars on British television’, from Cannon & Ball’s 1970s heyday to his continued success on shows such as Benidorm, Not Going Out and I'm A Celebrity....Get Me Out Of Here!’

Mark Robinson from programme-makers Wise Owl Films,  said: ‘Bobby’s story is an incredible one and we're honoured to have been asked to make this tribute to one of Britain's most loved and most versatile entertainers.’

Yesterday Chortle reported how fewer than 30 people will attend Ball’s funeral later this month because of the lockdown to arrest the spread of Covid-19, the virus which claimed his life.

Published: 4 Nov 2020