Tommy Cannon is reportedly being lined up to play the priest at the on-screen funeral of the late Bobby Ball’s character in TV series Not Going Out.
The comedian, 82, was left devastated when his comedy partner Bobby Ball died of Covid-19 in October, aged 76.
But Tommy could be set to reconnect with his late pal as the show’s creator Lee Mack wants Tommy to have a starring role at Bobby’s character Frank’s funeral in the new series.
New role? Tommy Cannon is reportedly being lined up to play the priest at the on-screen funeral of the late Bobby Ball’s character in TV series Not Going Out (pictured in 2014)
Lee, 52, who plays Frank’s son in the BBC 2 sitcom told The Sun: ‘I’m thinking of starting the next series with a funeral. And Tommy – I’m thinking of having him as the priest, and also bring some comics of that generation.
‘Bring in all his mates, as in my dad’s mates, who I’ve never met. That will be the story.’
He went on to say how he wished to have iconic comedians to come in to pay tribute ton Bobby, who found fame as part of comedy act Cannon and Ball with Tommy.
He continued: ‘I want to see a scene which opens up with Sid Little, Freddie Parrot-Face Davies and the like, all just sitting round. It would be marvellous.’
Lifelong pals: The comedian, 82, was left devastated when his comedy partner Bobby Ball died of Covid-19 in October, aged 76 (pictured in 2009)
It wouldn’t be the first time that Tommy has played a priest on the show as he previously donned the dog collar in series seven for the wedding of Lee’s character.
Following Bobby’s death last year, Lee paid tribute to Bobby, who he called his ‘comedy hero’.
He said: ‘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.
‘My thoughts are with Yvonne and his family, and of course Tommy.
Passed away: Tommy could be set to reconnect with his late pal as the show’s creator Lee Mack wants Tommy to have a starring role at Bobby’s character Frank’s (pictured) funeral in the new series
Idea: Lee, 52, who plays Frank’s son in the BBC 2 sitcom told The Sun : ‘I’m thinking of starting the next series with a funeral. And Tommy – I’m thinking of having him as the priest’
‘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 x.’
Meanwhile on Thursday, Tommy paid tribute to his late best friend Bobby on what would have been his 77th birthday.
Taking to Twitter, he shared a black and white image of the pair as he penned: ‘It would of been my best buddy’s 77th birthday today… miss you mate, have a scotch up there for me.’
Days after Bobby’s death in October 2020, Tommy told how he felt ’empty’ and that Bobby’s passing had ripped a ‘big chunk’ out of his life.
Tribute: He went on to say how he wished to have iconic comedians to come in to pay tribute ton Bobby, who found fame as part of comedy act Cannon and Ball with Tommy
Choking on his words, he told ITV’s This Morning: ‘It’s a very sad time… and this moment and time, I don’t know where I am.
‘I can’t believe he’s passed away. I can’t make any sense of it yet, I really can’t. I miss him terribly, I loved him to bits.
‘We had a great career. With great memories to look back on… and I know one day I’ll meet him again. Oh rest in peace, lad.’
Asked by hosts Eammon Holmes and Ruth Langsford if Ball’s death had left him feeling he had a hole in his life, Cannon agreed.
‘Miss you mate’: Meanwhile on Thursday, Tommy paid tribute to his late best friend Bobby on what would have been his 77th birthday
He said: ‘Oh yeah, a big chunk… I don’t think I’ll ever get over it. I don’t. It’s an empty feeling that after nearly 58 years working together starting in the pubs and working men’s clubs…it took fifteen years before we got on to TV. ‘
Bobby was born Robert Harper on January 28, 1944 and found fame on the The Cannon & Ball Show from 1979 to 1988 opposite his lifelong friend Tommy.
Oldham-born Bobby met Tommy, real name Thomas Derbyshire, while he was working in a factory as a welder.
So sad: Days after Bobby’s death in October 2020, Tommy told how he felt ’empty’ and that Bobby’s passing had ripped a ‘big chunk’ out of his life
Emotional: ‘I can’t believe he’s passed away. I can’t make any sense of it yet, I really can’t. I miss him terribly, I loved him to bits’ (pictured in 2018)
After the success of The Cannon & Ball Show, Bobby appeared in a string of TV series including as Lenny in Last Of The Summer Wine from 2005 to 2008.
He also played Topsy Turner in Heartbeat and appeared in Mount Pleasant, Benidorm and The Cockfields.
In 2012, he competed in a Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
The star also appeared in TV series including Last Of The Summer Wine, Heartbeat, Mount Pleasant, Benidorm, The Cockfields and of course Not Going Out.
TV legend: Bobby was born Robert Harper on January 28, 1944 and found fame on the The Cannon & Ball Show from 1979 to 1988 opposite his lifelong friend Tommy