Bobby Ball : biography
Bobby Ball (born Robert Harper, 28 January 1944) is an English comedian, and one half of the double act Cannon and Ball, with Tommy Cannon.
Early life
He was born at Boundary Park Hospital, Oldham, Lancashire, on 28 January 1944, to May (née Savage) and Bob Harper. He attended High Crompton Secondary, Shaw, Oldham.
Ball went to work in a factory as a welder and it was here that he met his future partner, Thomas Derbyshire.
Television
Year | Show | Role |
---|---|---|
2005 | I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! | Himself, Contestant |
2009 | The Fattest Man in Britain | |
2010 | All Star Mr & Mrs | Himself, Contestant |
2011 | Mount Pleasant | Barry |
2012 | Coach Trip | Himself, Guest |
2012 | Strictly Come Dancing: Christmas Special | Himself, Contestant |
2013 | The Security Men | Duckers |
Other television work
Ball is the created the BBC children’s cartoon series Juniper Jungle. He has played Frank (Lee’s Father) in the BBC sitcom Not Going Out in some episodes of the series.
Personal life
Ball married his first wife, Joan Lynn, in 1964, with whom he had two sons, Robert (born 1965) and Darren (born 1969), who are now a comedy double act in their own right, performing under their surname ‘Harper’. Bobby and Joan separated in 1970. He married his second wife, Yvonne Nugent, in 1974 (although some reports say 1971). They have a daughter, Joanne (born 1972). Ball and Yvonne live in Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire.
Ball became a born-again Christian in 1986, as did Cannon in 1992, with their conversion having a lot to do with the re-kindling of their broken friendship. Together they published a book called Christianity for Beginners. They now regularly feature in their own gospel and "An audience with…" show in churches around the country.
Cannon and Ball
Bobby was one half of comedy duo Cannon and Ball alongside his friend and former colleague Tommy Cannon (real name Thomas Derbyshire). The duo’s primetime Saturday night television series The Cannon and Ball Show, was one of LWT’s most successful series, with consistently high viewing ratings that lasted for twelve years. They starred in the film The Boys in Blue together in 1982 and guest starred in the Eric Sykes slapstick film, Mr H is Late in 1988. Other notable guest appearances were The Kenny Everett Show in 1982 and Shooting Stars in 1996.