Grand Theatre Blackpool releases touching tribute to 'beacon of light on the variety scene' Bobby Ball

Ruth Eastwood Grand Theatre chief executive has spoken of the theatre family's 'great sadness' after his death, aged 76, at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

His management confirmed in a statement on Thursday Ball had tested positive for Covid-19 after being admitted to the hospital on Wednesday with breathing difficulties.

Ruth in a statement said: ‘Our love goes out to Yvonne, Tommy, and all the family.

"Bobby will always remain at the heart of Blackpool Grand Theatre and is a beacon of light for the Blackpool Variety Scene.

"Bobby performed with Tommy at Blackpool Grand over many record-breaking summers with Qdos Entertainment and Bor Productions.

"I am sure Blackpool and the Nation will all share in the great loss and total sadness of his passing."

The entertainer, who lived in St Annes for many years with wife Yvonne was a passionate advocate of the arts and a patron of Lowther Pavilion.

In a statement the theatre team trust said: "It is with great sadness that we heard this morning of Bobby Ball's passing.

"He was a great supporter of Lowther Pavilion and had taken on the role of patron some years ago.

"He always popped in to see what was going on and was only at the venue just over a week ago to support the comedians on the bill for the Woofers Comedy Night.

"Bobby was kind man with an infectious sense of humour that made everybody smile when he entered the room.

"Not only did he support Lowther professionally in all it’s endeavours but he also shared his talent around by writing and performing with Fylde Coast Players a local amateur group in “Rock off Tommy” a few years ago.

"He will be greatly missed by all the staff and patrons of Lowther and we will always remember him for the love that he showed the venue and the people from the Fylde region."