In a stunning revelation, comedian Tommy Cannon, once a household name alongside his late partner Bobby Ball, has opened up about his drastic fall from grace. Now at 87, Cannon candidly shared that he’s living “hand to mouth” after declaring himself bankrupt, following struggles to pay an £800k tax bill.
There was a time when Cannon and Ball captivated audiences on ITV, pulling in staggering viewers of up to 20 million during their nine-year run in the 1980s. With earnings reportedly hitting around £50,000 a week, Cannon could easily indulge in luxuries like a golden Rolls-Royce and even a football club. Fast forward to today, Cannon admits that the “cliff” he’s gone over has been a difficult journey, one that temporarily ended his career, with work drying up and only pantomime roles coming his way. It’s a harsh reality for a man who once stood at the pinnacle of comedy.
Reflecting on his situation, Cannon remarked, “I haven’t worked since Christmas. It’s all gone off a cliff. It’s embarrassing but just one of those things.” He articulated the profound changes in the entertainment industry, lamenting, “Showbusiness changed. You’re on the back pedal all the time.” Despite the odds stacked against him, Cannon’s irrepressible spirit shines through.
Before Bobby’s death in 2020, the duo was still trying to reignite their partnership’s magic. Cannon recalls, “We’ve still got a partnership. Me and Bobby, we’re still going—but not like we used to be. We’ll plug on.” Yet, with little work on the horizon, the future appears uncertain.
In a twist of fate, 2019 offered a glimmer of hope for Cannon when he landed a “mystery role” in the popular ITV soap Emmerdale. Thrilled by the development, he took to Twitter to share the news, stating, “Excited to be able to announce that I’m doing a brief stint as ‘Derek’ in @emmerdale!! Spending some time in the dales.” His character, however, met a tragic end, dying from suspected salmonella poisoning after a comical mishap with a chocolate sample.
Fast forward to 2024, Cannon confirms that things are looking brighter. He enthusiastically announced, “I have a lot planned! I’ll be touring the UK from October, performing at Warner Hotels—places where Bob and I used to perform. I’ll also be working on my autobiography and documentary. Staying busy is essential!” This resurgence in projects showcases his determination to reclaim his place in the limelight.