The Cannon and Ball Show has been added to ITVX after a social media campaign and fans are delighted
ITV has added a classic comedy to its line-up after pleas from fans.
It comes weeks after legendary comedian Tommy Cannon criticised the broadcaster for excluding his classic shows with Bobby Ball from their new ITVX streamer.
The duo hosted a long-running Saturday night hit, The Cannon and Ball Show, for nine years between 1979 and 1988. However, as ITV rolled out numerous shows from their archive to mark its 70th anniversary, the former ratings-topping show was notably absent from the line-up.
Following a social media campaign, the broadcaster has recently added a “best of” show for the comedy icons in recent days, and fans are over the moon.
The 41-minute episode, showcasing highlights from the duo’s nine years of shows, comes with a trigger warning.
It states: “This classic British comedy reflects the attitudes and language of its time.”
It then suggests the use of parental controls, reports the Express.
Bobby Ball passed away in October 2020. His comedy partner Tommy Cannon expressed his disappointment on Twitter over their initial exclusion from ITV’s anniversary celebrations.
“Cannon & Ball gave it everything. We were the wallpaper, not just the furniture,” he wrote.
“To be left out of the celebration? That hurts. Not for me – but for Bobby. For the fans. For the legacy. We made millions laugh. That should’ve counted,” he posted.
He also discussed the issue with Mark Dolan on TalkTV, stating: “We gave our lives to the industry. It’s an insult to be left out.”
Dolan himself pledged to maintain pressure on ITV at the time and initiated the #BackCannonAndBall campaign on social media, urging ITV to recognise “one of the greatest comedy double acts of all time”.
Fans were thrilled about it being added, with several posting about it on social media.
Taking to Facebook, one wrote in a post announcing the news: “Shouldn’t have had to fight for it… but so pleased they have seen sense.”
Another agreed, adding: “Brilliant, I’ll be watching this! My absolute favourites as a kid. I went to my nursery Halloween party dressed up as Bobby with braces and a wig.”
Another chimed in: “Good, much better than current output at times. Rock on Tommy!” “Saw it earlier, it was brilliant as always xx,” said someone else.
The Best of Cannon and Ball is available on ITVX
#ITV #bring #iconic #80s #show #plea #fans #adds #trigger #warning
