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'Rock on Bobby': Tommy Cannon fights back tears at funeral of comedy partner Bobby Ball after his death aged 76 as mourners pay tribute with his trademark red braces

Bobby Ball's comedy partner of six decades Tommy Cannon today fought back tears at the beloved comic's funeral after the entertainer died aged 76, just weeks after a positive coronavirus test.  

Fans lined the street outside Hope Church in Lytham, Lancashire, to pay their final respects to the Cannon & Ball star, who passed away at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on October 28.

Mourners wearing red braces – a nod to Ball's trademark twang of his braces while saying: 'Rock on, Tommy' – congregated outside the church to honour the iconic UK entertainer. 

His comedy partner Cannon, 82, was among the mourners at the service, which was private and invite-only due to England's ongoing shutdown and restrictions on funeral gatherings.  

Cannon said after Ball's death: 'Rock on, my good friend, I can't believe this, I'm devastated.' He later tweeted: 'I'm absolutely devastated, I've lost my partner, my best friend and the funniest man I know.'   

Ball's coffin was seen covered in bouquets of white roses as it was taken out of the hearse into Hope Church. 

A table with a book of condolence, hand sanitiser and donation box for the Blue Skies Hospital Fund and Lowther Pavilion was set up on the pavement where fans gathered. 

Mourners participated in a procession through Blackpool ahead of the star's cremation, which began at East Beach at 1pm and stopped at Blackpool Tower, where the words 'Rock on, Tommy' were printed on the pavement. 

Linda, Denise and Maureen Nolan were among those who lined the street in the seaside resort and applauded as the cortege drove past the tower, next to the Comedy Carpet landmark,

Linda told the PA news agency the sisters had known Ball since the 1980s, when they had worked together. She said: 'We're devastated because he's been a great friend to us all. We just wanted to be here today.'

Denise said he had been a support to their sister Bernie, who died in 2013 after developing breast cancer, and would take sandwiches in to the hospice where she stayed. She said: 'Tommy must be bereft.'

Maureen added: 'The thing about Bobby was, he had funny bones. You couldn't know Bobby and not like him.' 

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Comedian Tommy Cannon arrives at Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire, ahead of the funeral of Bobby Ball

Comedian Tommy Cannon arrives at Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire, ahead of the funeral of Bobby Ball

The coffin of entertainer Bobby Ball is taken into Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire, for his funeral service

Mourners lined the street outside Hope Church where a funeral service was held for Bobby Ball before his cremation

Mourners lined the street outside Hope Church where a funeral service was held for Bobby Ball before his cremation

Bobby Ball's widow Yvonne attends Ball's funeral at the Hope Church after the beloved entertainer died aged 76

Bobby Ball's widow Yvonne attends Ball's funeral at the Hope Church after the beloved entertainer died aged 76 

The funeral cortege of entertainer Bobby Ball arrives at Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire

The funeral cortege of entertainer Bobby Ball arrives at Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire

Mourners wearing red braces in honour of comedian Bobby Ball outside Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire

Mourners wearing red braces in honour of comedian Bobby Ball outside Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire

Tommy Cannon (back to Camera) is consoled by fellow guests at the funeral of long-time comedy partner Bobby Ball

Tommy Cannon (back to Camera) is consoled by fellow guests at the funeral of long-time comedy partner Bobby Ball

The funeral cortege of entertainer Bobby Ball arrives at Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire

The funeral cortege of entertainer Bobby Ball arrives at Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire

People outside Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire for the funeral of entertainer Bobby Ball

People outside Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire for the funeral of entertainer Bobby Ball

Mourners participated in a procession through Blackpool ahead of the star's cremation, which began at East Beach at 1pm and stopped at Blackpool Tower, where the words 'Rock on, Tommy' were printed on the pavement

Mourners participated in a procession through Blackpool ahead of the star's cremation, which began at East Beach at 1pm and stopped at Blackpool Tower, where the words 'Rock on, Tommy' were printed on the pavement

The funeral cortege of entertainer Bobby Ball passes the Comedy Carpet in front of the Blackpool Tower

The funeral cortege of entertainer Bobby Ball passes the Comedy Carpet in front of the Blackpool Tower

Members of the public applaud as the funeral cortege of Ball passes Blackpool Tower and the Comedy Carpet

Members of the public applaud as the funeral cortege of Ball passes Blackpool Tower and the Comedy Carpet

The words 'Rock On, Tommy!' on the pavement below Blackpool Tower as the public wait for the funeral cortege to pass by

The words 'Rock On, Tommy!' on the pavement below Blackpool Tower as the public wait for the funeral cortege to pass by

Mourners wearing red braces in honour of Ball pose on the Comedy Carpet next to his catchphrase 'Rock On Tommy'

Mourners wearing red braces in honour of Ball pose on the Comedy Carpet next to his catchphrase 'Rock On Tommy'

Ball was born Robert Harper on January 28, 1944 and found fame on the The Cannon & Ball Show from 1979 to 1988 opposite Cannon. Oldham-born Ball met Cannon, real name Thomas Derbyshire, while he was working in a factory as a welder

Ball was born Robert Harper on January 28, 1944 and found fame on the The Cannon & Ball Show from 1979 to 1988 opposite Cannon. Oldham-born Ball met Cannon, real name Thomas Derbyshire, while he was working in a factory as a welder

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Bobby Ball's 40-year career in TV and film 

Tony Callison, who was among those lining the streets, said he used to drink with Ball in local bar The Sunday Club. He said: 'You had a good laugh when he was in because you couldn't not. 

'He was a true gent and a funny man but he was also very helpful. I had a hard time last year where I needed help and Bobby was there for me as if he was a friend. He still had an awful lot to give, it wasn't his time.'

Zoe Robertson, who owns apartments which Ball stayed in with wife Yvonne when he moved to Lytham, said: 'They were just the nicest people ever and since they've been in Lytham they've just become part of the community. 

'He was one of the kindest guys. He will be so missed and it is so sad. He couldn't help himself from telling jokes. In the last lockdown we used to see him sitting on his bench and he would always have a joke.'

Memorial cards left outside the service said Ball was a deeply loved husband and an adored grandfather and great-grandfather. They called him a 'much-loved friend to many and a hugely respected character'. 

Cards read: 'Things Bob loved... his family, friends, being creative, making people happy, entertaining, music and a chilled glass of Chardonnay! He will be truly missed by all who knew him.'

Floral wreaths reading 'Bob' and 'Grandad' were laid in the hearse with the coffin.   

Lee Mack, who played Ball's son in BBC comedy Not Going Out, called the late comic 'joyful, full of fun and mischievous', adding: 'I'm utterly shocked and devastated to lose my mate Bobby like this.'

Ball's family have discouraged his fans from paying their respects to the icon today amid England's ongoing shutdown, which prevents funeral gatherings of more than 30 people.  

A statement from his family said that police and council authorities will be enforcing coronavirus restrictions, with Covid wardens out to 'make sure people adhere to the rules'.

They added: 'The response to Bob's funeral announcement has been overwhelming and the love and support from you all has been wonderful and a huge comfort. A heartfelt thank you from us all.'

BBC comedy controller Shane Allen previously said: 'We are devastated to hear the sad news of Bobby Ball passing away. He was a powder keg of comedy who entertained audiences of all ages for decades.

'He was funny to the end, having just completed his work on the forthcoming Not Going Out series and we all feel immensely privileged to have enjoyed the benefit of his talents.

'Our thoughts are with family and friends at this sad time.'

Ball was born Robert Harper on January 28, 1944 and found fame on the The Cannon & Ball Show from 1979 to 1988 opposite his lifelong friend Cannon.

Oldham-born Ball met Cannon, real name Thomas Derbyshire, while he was working in a factory as a welder.

After the success of The Cannon & Ball Show, Ball appeared in a string of TV series including as Lenny in Last Of The Summer Wine from 2005 to 2008. 

Tommy Cannon arrives with his wife Hazel as mourners pay tribute to the late Bobby Ball at his funeral service today

Tommy Cannon arrives with his wife Hazel as mourners pay tribute to the late Bobby Ball at his funeral service today 

Comedian Tommy Cannon arrives at Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire, ahead of the funeral of Bobby Ball

Comedian Tommy Cannon arrives at Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire, ahead of the funeral of Bobby Ball

Actor and author Ball had been at Blackpool Victoria Hospital with breathing problems after his family initially thought he had a chest infection, before he tested positive with Covid-19 and later died

Actor and author Ball had been at Blackpool Victoria Hospital with breathing problems after his family initially thought he had a chest infection, before he tested positive with Covid-19 and later died

Mourners wearing red braces in honour of comedian Bobby Ball outside Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire

Mourners wearing red braces in honour of comedian Bobby Ball outside Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire

People sign a book of condolence outside Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes at Ball's funeral service

People sign a book of condolence outside Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes at Ball's funeral service

A person holds a memorial card for comedian Bobby Ball ahead of his funeral at Hope Church in Lytham Saint AnnesA person holds a memorial card for comedian Bobby Ball ahead of his funeral at Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes

People hold memorial cards for comedian Bobby Ball ahead of his funeral at Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes

'A big chunk of me has gone': Tearful Tommy Cannon breaks down as he pays moving tribute to Bobby Ball, 76, saying he is 'empty' following his comedy partner's death after testing positive for Covid 

Bobby Ball's comedy partner of six decades Tommy Cannon teared up as he paid tribute to his late friend whose death has ripped a 'big chunk' out of his life.

Cannon described feeling 'empty' since learning that Ball had passed away in hospital.

The duo together made up comedy double act Cannon and Ball which shot to fame in the 1970s and 80s, landing their own TV show. 

Choking on his words, he told ITV's This Morning: 'It's a very sad time… and this moment and time, I don't know where I am. 

'I can't believe he's passed away. I can't make any sense of it yet, I really can't. I miss him terribly, I loved him to bits. 

'We had a great career. With great memories to look back on… and I know one day I'll meet him again. Oh rest in peace, lad.'

He also played Topsy Turner in Heartbeat and appeared in Mount Pleasant, Benidorm and The Cockfields.

In 2012, Ball competed in a Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.  He also appeared in TV series including Last Of The Summer Wine, Heartbeat, Mount Pleasant, Benidorm, The Cockfields and Not Going Out. 

The duo starred together in the films The Boys in Blue 1982 and Mr H Is Late in 1988, and appeared on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2005. 

He is survived by two sons, Robert and Darren, with his first wife Joan Lynn, as well as his daughter Joanne with Yvonne Nugent.

The couple, who have been living in Lytham, Lancashire, and have been married for 46 years, have 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Ball was patron of the local NHS Blue Skies charity and the couple recently organised a variety event which raised £30,000 towards the development of the dementia garden at Clifton Hospital in Lytham.

In March, he starred in a video posted on the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's YouTube channel singing the Cannon and Ball theme song Together We'll Be OK. 

The trust wrote that the video aimed to unite everyone in the earliest days of the pandemic, with medical staff also featuring. 

At the end of the song, in a now poignant message, Ball said: 'Now I mean that - together we'll all be OK if we pull together. See you later!' 

Ball's manager Phil Dale said: 'It is with great personal sadness that on behalf of Yvonne Ball, and the family, and Tommy Cannon, I announce that Bobby Ball passed away at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on October 28, 2020 approximately 9.30pm. 

'Bobby had been taken to the hospital for tests as he started with breathing problems. At first it was thought to be a chest infection but a test proved positive for Covid-19. 

'His wife Yvonne said the hospital and staff could not have been more wonderful, as they were outstanding in their care of duty and they did everything possible for him and she cannot praise them enough.

'She said that the family and Tommy would like to express their sincere thanks to the many, many people who have been fans of Bobby and they know that they will all share in part the great loss and total sadness that Yvonne, the family and Tommy all feel.

'Yvonne added that their need for privacy at this time has to be a priority. No further announcements or statements will be made.'

Mr Dale added: 'Bobby was a true comedy star who loved entertaining people and he loved life itself. I spoke to him every day and it would always end in laughter.' 

People gather on the the Comedy Carpet in front of the Blackpool Tower waiting for the funeral cortege of Ball

People gather on the the Comedy Carpet in front of the Blackpool Tower waiting for the funeral cortege of Ball

Members of the public applaud as the funeral cortege of Ball passes Blackpool Tower and the Comedy Carpet

Members of the public applaud as the funeral cortege of Ball passes Blackpool Tower and the Comedy Carpet

The funeral cortege of comedian Bobby Ball passes Blackpool Tower and the Comedy Carpet

The funeral cortege of comedian Bobby Ball passes Blackpool Tower and the Comedy Carpet

A book of condolence for comedian Ball outside Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire, ahead of Ball's funeral

A book of condolence for comedian Ball outside Hope Church in Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire, ahead of Ball's funeral

Cannon and Ball sing together at the London Palladium in the West End on ITV in June 1987

Cannon and Ball sing together at the London Palladium in the West End on ITV in June 1987

Ball, wife Yvonne and their daughter Joanne are pictured for the Daily Mail in January 2007

Ball, wife Yvonne and their daughter Joanne are pictured for the Daily Mail in January 2007

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