CREWE Lyceum has paid tribute to Bobby Ball who had been due to perform in the venue's panto later this year.

The popular entertainer, one half of the comedy duo Cannon and Ball, passed away aged 76 in Blackpool Victoria Hospital last night after battling Covid-19.

The Oldham-born entertainer was due to return to the Crewe venue as he was booked in with partner Tommy Cannon for the production of 'Sleeping Beauty', which had been due to run from December 11.

The pandemic saw the cancellation of this year's panto shows back in August, while all other live performances are off until the end of January.

The tribute from the Lyceum said: "We are devastated to learn of the death of Bobby Ball.

"He was a true comedy legend, bringing joy and laughter to the hearts of tens of thousands of people in Crewe Lyceum's community.

"An irreplaceable talent and a wonderful man, our hearts go out to his family and to his comedy partner Tommy Cannon at this very sad time."

Among the Crewe panto-goers paying tribute on the theatre's Facebook page were Lisa Stockton who said: "So very sad. As a family we've loved seeing him in panto over the last few years. Our boys loved his mischievous nature and there's not many people they find funny that we also did as kids! Such sad news."

Mags Warham posted: "We never missed a year, sitting on the front row. He was a true legend, so funny when interacting with the children (ours loved him) we all came away with sore throats from shouting ROCK ON TOMMY. Rock on In Peace Bobby Ball."

And Eddie Wilde declared: "Crewe Lyceum Pantomimes were/are a joy to watch made that little more special because of Tommy and Bobby. RIP Bobby."