OHMYGOSSIP — Lee Mack was left “utterly shocked” by Bobby Ball’s death after filming alongside him “just a few weeks ago”.
The 52-year-old comedian starred opposite the late TV legend – who passed away aged 76 on Wednesday night (28.10.20) after testing positive for coronavirus – in his sitcom ‘Not Going Out’, and he admitted Bobby was his “usual funny and cheeky self” on set a fortnight ago.
Lee – who played the titular character in the programme, which he created – told The Sun Online: “I’m utterly shocked and devastated to lose my mate Bobby like this.
“I filmed with him just a few weeks ago and he was his usual funny and cheeky self.”
Bobby starred as Lee’s on-screen dad Frank in the show from 2009, and Lee admitted he enjoyed working with a “childhood comedy hero”, but it was “even better” being able to call the actor a pal.
He added: “My thoughts are with Yvonne and his family, and of course Tommy.
“To get to work with one of my childhood comedy heroes was great. But to call him a friend was even better. Rest In Peace Bobby.”
Earlier this morning (30.10.20), husband and wife comedians The Krankies – Janette and Ian Tough – remembered the “very disciplined” star.
Speaking on ‘Good Morning Britain’, Ian said: “He was very disciplined. He would not take any messing about.
“He demanded discipline and everything to be right. He knew comedy in and out.
“He was born with a comic streak.”
Bobby was best known for being one half of the double act Cannon and Ball, alongside his pal Tommy Cannon.
Tommy – who starred alongside his pal in ‘The Cannon and Ball Show’ from 1979 and 1988 – led tributes to his late friend yesterday (29.10.20).
He said: “Rock on, my good friend, I can’t believe this, I’m devastated.”
Several other tributes have since followed, including ‘Hi-de-Hi!’ star Jeffrey Holland praising Bobby as a “sensitive actor”.
He tweeted: “Sad to hear #BobbyBall has left us. I was delighted to be a part of that period of TV comedy in the 80’s and appear in one of the #CannonandBall shows. Bobby was a very clever comedy performer and sensitive actor which he proved many times. My love goes to his family and Tommy. (sic)”
Daniel Mays tweeted: “RIP to the legendary Bobby Ball. What a loss. Loved watching him as a kid in Cannon & Ball. The fondest memories meeting him on the set of Mrs Biggs and bumped into him again in a hotel for a wedding I was attending. I was totally starstruck on both occasions! That smile (sic)”
What’s more, Les Dennis wrote on Twitter: “Just heard the sad news that the wonderful Bobby Ball has died. He was a true entertainer with real funny bones. Thoughts with Tommy,Yvonne and his family at this sad time. RIP Bobby (sic)”
Comedian Kate Robbins tweeted: “I’m so terribly sad to hear that the brilliant Bobby Ball has died. Apparently he had corona virus. God bless your beautiful soul Bobby. You were so funny and lovely. Rest in peace Bob. Xxx (sic)”
Screenwriter Jeff Pope posted: “I am utterly devastated at the death of my friend Bobby Ball. Very rarely in life do you get the chance to work with somebody who has funny bones – you just had to look at him and he made you laugh. He was a 5ft 4in comedy giant. God bless Bob, love to Yvonne and the family. (sic)”

Source: VacationHunter.Online
Find us also on Facebook @Ohmygossip.com