Three years after the nation lost a comedy icon, Tommy Cannon has spoken with moving candour about the profound void left by his stage partner and best friend, Bobby Ball.
The legendary entertainer, one half of the beloved duo Cannon and Ball, described Bobby not just as a colleague, but as a brother, confessing that the pain of his loss remains as sharp as ever. Ball passed away in October 2020 after testing positive for COVID-19.
A Bond Forged in Laughter
Reflecting on their five-decade-long partnership, Tommy revealed the unique, unbreakable nature of their bond. "We were like brothers, we really were," he shared. "We had our fallouts, like all brothers do, but the love was always there. He was my everything on that stage."
Their journey from welders in a factory to national treasures on ITV is the stuff of showbiz legend, a testament to their raw talent and unwavering dedication to making people laugh.
Carrying the Torch Alone
Tommy admits that stepping back onto the stage without his other half has been one of the most difficult challenges of his life. "It's not the same, and it never will be," he stated poignantly.
Despite the heartache, Cannon feels a powerful sense of duty to continue performing, seeing it as the ultimate tribute to his friend. "Bobby would have wanted the show to go on. He loved the audience more than anything. So I do it for him, to keep our memory alive."
A Legacy of Joy
The legacy of Cannon and Ball is etched into British entertainment history. Their slapstick humour, catchphrases, and undeniable chemistry brought joy to millions.
Tommy's heartfelt words serve as a powerful reminder that behind the laughter and the glittering costumes was a deep, fraternal love that transcended the spotlight—a bond that not even death can truly break.
