'Another legend gone': Syd Little pays tribute to fellow old school comedian Bobby Ball following his death

His best friend and comedy partner Tommy Cannon said: "Rock on, my good friend, I can't believe this, I'm devastated."

Bobby was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Tuesday, suffering from breathing problems. He tested positive for Covid-19 and died just one day later, at around 9.30pm last night.

Fellow comedian Syd Little, who was good friends with Bobby and lost his own comedy partner, Eddie Large, to the virus in April, said: "There was an old myth that comedy double-acts didn't like each other, but Bobby and Tommy and me and Eddie got on very well. We both started in the clubs of Manchester 50 years ago when they were called The Harper Brothers and we were Syd and Eddie.

"Tommy and Bobby were as close as me and Eddie were, and after all these years they have been through a lot, the good and the bad. Off stage he was a smashing guy, good company to be with.

"Losing Eddie and now Bobby in the same year has hit me hard. He was a very talented little lad, as an actor as well as a comedian. We have been through a lot together and this is a very sad time, especially if it is coronavirus that has killed him.

"At times like this, we've all got to be helping each other.

"Bobby and Tommy were both very supportive when Eddie died. A lot of people in showbusiness were. He will be sadly missed. Another legend gone - just like that. My heart goes out to his wife and his family."