British comedian Bobby Ball has died at the age of 76.

Bobby – best known as one half of comedy duo Cannon & Ball – died after contracting Covid-19, his management confirmed on Thursday morning.

In a statement, his spokesperson confirmed that Bobby had first been taken to hospital for tests after experiencing breathing problems.

“At first it was thought to be a chest infection but a test proved positive for Covid-19,” they said.

“His wife Yvonne said the hospital and staff could not have been more wonderful, as they were outstanding in their care of duty and they did everything possible for him and she cannot praise them enough,” the statement continued.

“She said that the family and Tommy would like to express their sincere thanks to the many, many people who have been fans of Bobby and they know that they will all share in part the great loss and total sadness that Yvonne, the family and Tommy all feel.

“Yvonne added that their need for privacy at this time has to be a priority. No further announcements or statements will be made.”

Yvonne said in her own statement: “I will always miss him, he was so joyful, full of fun and mischievous.”

His comedy partner Tommy Cannon has also paid tribute, saying simply: “Rock on, my good friend, I can’t believe this, I’m devastated.”

Bobby was most famous for his work as one half of Cannon & Ball, who appeared in the variety show Bruce Forsyth’s Big Night, before landing their own series.

The Cannon & Ball Show went on to run for nine years, eventually coming to an end in December 1988.

Cannon & Ball first met when they began working in the same factory, before venturing into the world of comedy as a duo.

More recently, Bobby competed in the fifth series of I’m A Celebrity, and appeared in the Sky comedy Mount Pleasant.