Legendary comedy duo Cannon and Ball are set for a triumphant return to national television this Christmas, with a rare festive special that has not been broadcast since 1985. The iconic variety show, which originally ran on ITV for nearly a decade, will be aired on That's TV, much to the delight of fans and its surviving star.
A Heartfelt Return for a Comedy Classic
Tommy Cannon, 87, expressed profound emotion at the news of the show's revival. The Christmas special of The Cannon And Ball Show, originally broadcast in 1985, will air on December 20, followed by a full season of classic episodes from their hit series. "It's wonderful news to hear That's TV will be showing our shows again," Cannon said. "I'm absolutely thrilled that the shows will be back where they belong on national TV."
He reflected on the unique bond he shared with his late partner, Bobby Ball, stating their work was made "with love, mischief and a bond that never broke." Cannon added that the prospect of families, old fans, and new generations laughing along once more "touches my heart" and "means the world."
A Programming Coup for Viewers
Kris Vaiksalu, head of programming at That's TV, hailed the acquisition as a major success. He described the find as a "stratospheric" Christmas gift for the channel's audience. "Throughout the 1980s, Cannon and Ball was must-watch viewing for millions on a Saturday night, leaving the whole nation crying with laughter," Vaiksalu stated. He emphasised the show's enduring place in British TV history, noting that "really nothing compares to it in TV today."
The show's return follows a successful campaign by Cannon and dedicated fans for its inclusion in ITV's recent 70th-anniversary celebrations, highlighting its lasting cultural impact.
The Legacy of a Comedy Institution
The journey of Cannon and Ball began in the 1960s when the pair met while working as welders in an Oldham factory. They honed their act in working men's clubs before skyrocketing to fame after appearing on the ITV talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1968.
Their mainstream television show, The Cannon And Ball Show, ran on ITV from 1979 to 1988, becoming a staple of Saturday night entertainment. The return of the 1985 special is tinged with poignancy following the death of Bobby Ball in 2020, at the age of 76, after he contracted Covid-19.
While the festive special has a confirmed air date, a launch schedule for the subsequent season of classic episodes is still to be announced by That's TV.
