Comedy legend Tommy Cannon has paid tribute to to his on-stage partner and late friend Bobby Ball two years since his death.
Best known for their double act Cannon & Ball the pair burst onto the showbiz scene first appearing on television in 1968 on the talent show Opportunity Knocks which paved the way for their TV career.
Tommy was devastated by the death of his close friend and co-star who tested positive for Covid-19 before passing away exactly two years ago today.
In a touching post on Twitter, Cannon posted a picture of himself and Ball, writing: “Today marks 2 years since we lost you Bob.
“You are always in my thoughts, and I know your always here with me telling me stop being so soft, I miss you buddy, hope I’m doing you proud, rest easy mate x.”
Ball was born Robert Harper on January 28 1944 in Oldham, Lancashire, and met Cannon, real name Thomas Derbyshire, while he was working in a factory as a welder.
After on talent show, Opportunity Knocks the pair launched their own show The Cannon & Ball Show on ITV between 1979 and 1988.
British actress Cheryl Fergison, best known for portraying Heather Trott in EastEnders, also paid tribute to the late comedy star, writing on Twitter: “Bob… miss ya pal. love, light and strength to Vonny, family & friends on this day.”
Ball also appeared in TV series including Last Of The Summer Wine, Heartbeat, Mount Pleasant, Benidorm, The Cockfields and Not Going Out.
Cannon & Ball also starred together in the films, The Boys In Blue in 1982 and Mr H Is Late in 1988.
The wife of the late Only Fools And Horses star John Challis also shared a message of remembrance alongside an image of Ball and Challis, who died from cancer in 2021.
Carol Challis tweeted: “Remembering Bobby Ball today. Hard to believe they are both no longer with us.”
In 2005 Cannon and Ball were introduced to a new younger audience when they appeared on I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!
Appearing in the fifth series of the ITV show in the Australian jungle in the year Carol Thatcher was crowned Queen of The Jungle.
During their time on the show Bobby was voted to take part in one of the trials, and had to pick another contestant to take part – unsurprisingly he picked Tommy.
Tommy was voted out fairly quickly, while Bobby was voted out a few days before the show ended.
