Celebrity Jason Manford leads tributes to comedian with 'a heart of gold' Bobby Ball: master of British comedy dies after testing positive with coronavirus

North west comedian Jason Manford led the praise to the actor and comedian writing on Twitter he was 'heartbroken' by the news.

Bobby's management team released a statement earlier today Thursday October 29 announcing his death at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, after being admitted with breathing problems.

They confirmed he had later tested positive for Covid-19.

Manford's tweet read: "So heartbroken to read about the passing of comedy legend Bobby Ball. Such a hilarious man.

"The comedy community is a poorer place without him. #RockOn #RIPBobbyBall"

Actress, writer and fellow comedian Kate Robbins shared: "I’m so terribly sad to hear that the brilliant Bobby Ball has died.

"God bless your beautiful soul Bobby. You were so funny and lovely. Rest in peace Bob."

She added an anecdote about a play the pair took part in in 2015, written by Bobby adding: "I never stopped laughing in rehearsals. It was hard to get my lines out with Bobby always making us howl. But a true pro, he always pulled it together for the actual performance.

Actress Sheree Murphy, who appeared in I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here with Bobby in 2005 said: "I’m absolutely heartbroken that Bobby Ball has passed away.

"He was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met with a heart of gold. He made me laugh so much in the jungle.. RIP Bobby you’ll be so missed.. sending love to his beloved Yvonne and family #bobbyball

A tweet from the Lancashire Hotpots read: "RIP Bobby Ball."

Comedian, presenter and performer Les Dennis said: "Just heard the sad news that the wonderful Bobby Ball has died. He was a true entertainer with real funny bones.

"Thoughts with Tommy,Yvonne and his family at this sad time. RIP Bobby."

Singer Damon Michael Gough of Badly Drawn Boy fame, shared: "I’m truly gutted to hear about Bobby Ball. Saw Cannon & Ball many times in Blackpool in the 70s.

"One of the most natural funny men, the greatest smile in showbiz. Fortunate to have a pint with him on the set of ‘Fattest Man in Britain’. He phoned my Mum to say hello. Legend."

Lloyd Grifith wrote in a tweet: "Gutted about Bobby Ball. Genuinely funny bones. Watched him growing up, and then enjoyed him again on Not Going Out.

"Lee Mack’s story about them going on Pointless sums him up #RockOnTommy."

Ball had starred in the hit BBC sitcom Not Going Out since 2009, playing character Frank.

He first made a guest appearanceand two further guest appearances in series' four and five, before becoming a recurring fixture from series six onwards.