New hour-long retrospective of his life and work

ITV is giving Bobby Ball an even bigger send-off.

The broadcaster aired a half-hour tribute to the comedian last month, following his death in October at the age of 76 from Covid-related complications.

But now executives have ordered an hour-long version of the programme, Rock On, Tommy: The Bobby Ball Story, to air on December 30.

The  extended hour-long documentary will again be narrated by his double-act partner of 57 years, Tommy Cannon. As well as their comedy partnership, the show covers his appearances in series like Benidorm, Mount Pleasant, Not Going Out and I’m A Celebrity….Get Me Out Of Here! 

Those paying tribute to Bobby – who was an Oldham factory welder before turning to comedy –  include Lee Mack, Shane Richie,  Sally Lindsay, Jeff Pope, Timothy Spall, Hugh Dennis, and Bobby’s wife Yvonne and children Darren, Joanne and Robert.

As previously announced, ITV will also be paying tribute to Billy Connolly, including an interview with the comic at his home in the Florida Keys.

Praise from famous fans including Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, Dustin Hoffman, Whoopi Goldberg, Russell Brand, Sir Lenny Henry, Aisling Bea, Armando Iannucci and Sheridan Smith will be cut with extracts from his stand-up set in the 75-minute show, It’s Been A Pleasure, which will air at 9.30pm on December 26.

And at 9pm this Sunday, ITV will air a tribute to Des O’Connor. Filming began earlier this year after Des, at 88, decided to retire from the spotlight.  Contributors include Jonathan Ross, Jay Leno, Melanie Sykes, Bradley Walsh, Joe Pasquale, Alan Davies, Elaine Paige, Sir Cliff Richard and Jimmy Tarbuck

Published: 7 Dec 2020