Robbie Williams dedicates song to Blackpool favourite and comedy legend Tommy Cannon at Manchester Arena concert

What did Robbie say?

At his gig in Manchester Arena last Saturday (October 22), Robbie dedicated his hit song ‘Angels’ to Tommy in front of a crowd of 20,000 people, which included the comedy legend himself.

During the concert, Robbie told the crowd: "Now ladies and gentlemen, there's a legend in the audience tonight who I am a huge fan of, and I would like to dedicate this next song to him. It's Tommy Cannon from Cannon and Ball."

Robbie then made the crowd join in chanting Tommy’s name, before saying “"How much do you love that man?" After being met by loud cheers, Robbie added: "We love you Tommy, this is Angels Tom, and it's for you."

Who is Tommy Cannon?

84-year-old Tommy Cannon was one half of legendary comedy duo Cannon and Ball, opposite his friend Bobby Ball, who sadly passed away two years ago today at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Tommy was born in Oldham, whilst Bobby was from Lytham St Annes, and the pair performed regularly in Blackpool during their heyday.

First appearing on television together in 1968 on the talent show Opportunity Knocks, the Lancashire pair went on to become one of the most popular duos of the 70s and 80s. Their Saturday night television series The Cannon and Ball Show became one of the most successful series on LWT (ITV’s London channel at the time), and lasted nine years.

What did Tommy say about Robbie’s dedication?

The next day (March 23), Tommy shared a picture of himself hugging Robbie on Twitter with the caption “Wow, Overwhelmed, met a legend last night.”

The following morning, Tommy tweeted: "I must say hearing Robbie Williams dedicate Angels to me infront of 20,000 was absolutely crazy. Thank you Rob. It means the world."

What did fans think?

Tommy’s tweets received hundreds of replies offering their admiration of him as well, including Kevin Pleece who wrote: “wow that's so awesome of Robbie to do that well deserved you mr cannon sir are a legend.”

Meanwhile Gary Mills Wedding DJ said: “I can see a @robbiewilliams @TheTommyCannon duet happening! Christmas Number 1 perhaps???”