Why Cannon and Ball HATED Each Other at the Peak of Their Fame

Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball, also known as Cannon and Ball, were a popular British comedy duo who entertained audiences for decades with their slapstick humor and on-stage camaraderie.

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
01:49 - The Rise to Fame
02:35 - The Cannon and Ball Show
03:36 - Stage Performances and Variety Shows
04:29 - The Boys in Blue (1982)
05:11 - Later Career and New Ventures
06:21 - Personal and Professional Struggles
07:09 - Legacy and Influence
08:18 - Outro

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Tommy Cannon (born Thomas Derbyshire in 1938) and Bobby Ball (born Robert Harper in 1944) met while working in a factory in Oldham in the early 1960s. They began performing together as a singing duo before shifting to comedy. Their big break came in the late 1970s when they landed their own show, The Cannon and Ball Show, which ran from 1979 to 1988 on ITV. It became a staple of British television, drawing millions of viewers and making them household names.

Tommy, the straight man, and Bobby, the cheeky and mischievous sidekick, formed a classic comic pairing. Bobby’s catchphrase, "Rock on, Tommy!" became iconic, reflecting their playful, working-class humor. The duo’s success wasn’t limited to television; they also enjoyed success in pantomimes, summer seasons, and variety performances throughout the UK. They even ventured into film, starring in The Boys in Blue (1982), a slapstick comedy, though it didn’t achieve the same success as their TV work.

Off-stage, their friendship was tested by personal struggles, including a falling-out in the late 1980s. However, they reconciled and continued performing together well into the 21st century, remaining a much-loved act on the UK comedy circuit.

Bobby Ball’s sudden death in October 2020, following complications from COVID-19, marked the end of an era. He was remembered for his warmth and wit, while Tommy paid tribute to his long-time friend, expressing deep sadness at the loss. Cannon and Ball left a lasting legacy in British comedy, fondly remembered for their ability to make audiences laugh with timeless humor and infectious chemistry.

However, there were times when the two of them had their clashes. Yet, they managed to put their differences aside to succeed in their careers.

Why Cannon and Ball HATED Each Other at the Peak of Their Fame