Tommy Cannon and Paul 'Goffy' Gough at Hartlepool Marina

Tommy Cannon, part of the hugely successful comedy duo Cannon and Ball, was in Hartlepool promoting his first ever solo theatre tour – when he will take to stage at the age of 86.

Tommy sadly lost his long-time comedy partner Bobby Ball almost four years ago. He died in October 2020 after Bobby contracted coronavirus.

Through a ten-year period, the pair dominated Saturday evening TV with The Cannon and Ball Show attracting 20 million viewers each week on ITV.

Tommy was brought to town by Hartlepool-based media man Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough who runs Goffy Media and has been working with the legend to get him back in the spotlight.

(Image: GOFFY MEDIA)

Goffy said: “Tommy had seen some depressing images of Hartlepool during the recent riots, and I just wanted to show him that the town had lots of good things to offer and that the people in it are mostly decent.

“He said that through his 56 years working with Bobby as Cannon and Ball it was one of the few places that he couldn’t remember playing in his career.”

Tommy said: “It was great to drop by Goffy’s hometown and I really enjoyed my time in Hartlepool. It clearly has some lovely parts and very friendly people.

Cannon and Ball were huge TV stars in the 1980s (Image: GOFFY MEDIA)

“The Cannon and Ball fans we met were very warm and were keen to recall the memories of seeing us on the telly, in the theatre or at the various seaside summer shows at the likes of Scarborough and Blackpool.

"We were we so lucky to have broken all kinds of records on our various summer seasons. Making people smile is always the aim.

“I think we caught a few people by surprise in Hartlepool but it’s amazing how quickly they recall things that have made them laugh - particularly via the television screen.

“It makes people feel nostalgic as they recall those happy times watching the box and being surrounded by loving family and friends but as time moves on some have sadly left us – as in the heartbreaking case of my best pal Bobby Ball.

“It fires up lots of emotions and I see that almost on a daily basis. It’s never easy but being so prominent through that decade has become a massive part of the heritage.”

Goffy added: “It was great to bring Tommy to town and to drive him around to show him the many positive aspects of Hartlepool. Since quitting my role at BBC Tees last year, it has been a joy to work with people like Tommy.

“This past week I have been negotiating with ITV regarding his return appearance on ‘This Morning’ with Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley and we spent a day in Leeds with his old TV friend Jimmy Tarbuck.

“When I first started out in Hartlepool with nothing but a rusty old Transit van and driving to youth clubs such as Dyke House and Owton Manor with my mobile disco, I never imagined the joyful journey it would take me on; and all on my own without any heritage or contacts to cling on to.

Tommy and Goffy in York (Image: GOFFY MEDIA)

“Tommy lives just down the A19 outside of York in a beautiful village and we have spent many hours together this summer getting him back on track.

Most read:

• County Durham shopping park adds big name brand as part of shop expansion
• North East coastal walk with 850-year-old pub en route among best in late summer
• Three ex-footballers drop in to café to the delight of venue owner

Our flash sale is still on - £3 for three months. Get unlimited access to local news, enjoy our ad-free mobile and tablet app and read the replica of the paper on your device. Subscribe before it's too late.

"The loss of Bobby has been devastating and challenging for him mentally too – hitting the road at 86 for his first ever solo tour is a testimony to his inner strength.”

Tommy will be back in the area taking to the stage at Middlesbrough Theatre on Friday, November 1 for his Rock On Tommy Tour.

He will recall his many years with Bobby Ball with video clips. Tommy has also picked some of his very favourite acts to join him on stage to perform.