Comedian Bobby Ball, best known for his double act Canon and Ball with Tommy Cannon, has died at the age of 76. The manager said Kovid-19 had tested the ball positively.

A statement read: “I announce that Bobby Ball, representing Yvonne Ball, family, and Tommy Cannon with personal grief, passed away on October 28, 2020 at Blackpool Victoria Hospital at approximately 21:30.

“Bobby, who started having shortness of breath, was taken to the hospital for testing. At first it was thought to be a chest infection, but one test showed he was positive for Kovid-19.

“The hospital and the staff could not have been more amazing because they excelled in their duties and they did everything possible for him and they could not be praised enough,” said wife Yvonne.

“The family and Tommy would like to express their sincere gratitude to many of Bobby’s fans, and they all know that Yvonne, the family, and Tommy will share in part the great loss and grief.

“Now their privacy requirement needs to be prioritized and no further announcements or statements will be made,” Yvonne added.

Ball’s wife, Yvonne, said: “I will always miss him. He was very happy, funny and ugly.”

Tommy Cannon said: “My good friend, I can’t believe it. I’m totally devastated.”

Canon and Ball, lifelong friends, have hosted a variety show on ITV for over a decade. They started on the pub and club circuit before moving on to TV.

She played the lead role in the 1982 film The Boys in Blue And This also acted Canon and Balls Play H Spin-off, Plaza Patrol. In 2005 they were among the contestants I’m a celebrity … get me out of here!.

He also appeared in TV series, including Ball, which was born in Robert Harper The last of the summer wines, Heart rate, Mount Pleasant, Benidorm, Cockfields Recently, Lee’s father Frank played Not going out.