Profile

Thomas Derbyshire and Robert Harper were both born in Oldham. They met in the early 1960s while working as welders in the same factory.

Becoming friends, they formed a club act known as Bobby and Stevie Rhythm, which became the Sherrell Brothers then The Harper Brothers. Initially they were a vocal duo, but over time started to introduce more comedy into their act. They turned professional in the late 1960s, and eventually changed their name to Cannon and Ball.

As the Sherrell Brothers, early 1960s.

Their first TV appearance was on Opportunity Knocks in 1968, where they came last. Other early TV work included appearances on Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club during the 1970s. However, during this time their work remained predominantly in clubs and theatres.

1970s publicity shot

In 1978 they were asked to film sketches to be used in Bruce Forsyth's Big Night on ITV. Despite the fact the sketches were dropped from the show, they were offered their own TV series which aired in 1979.

Throughout the 1980s Cannon and Ball were two of British TVs biggest stars, with annual TV series and Christmas specials. They released their own feature film, The Boys In Blue, and broke box-office records with their summer seasons and pantomimes.

1980s publicity shot

Their last TV series was in 1991, by which time tastes had changed and they were no longer 'fashionable' on TV. Despite this, they continued their theatre summer seasons and pantomimes, where they still drew large audiences. Guest appearances on TV shows have also continued.

Although things seemed to be going well in the 1980s, things off-stage looked much bleaker. Over the years they had gradually grown apart, to the extent that they no longer spoke to one another except when work demanded. Bobby was drinking heavily, womanizing, and had gained a reputation for violence. In 1986 Bobby became a Christian, and Tommy followed in 1992.

During the 1990s and 2000s Cannon and Ball have continued working, with theatre tours, summer shows, pantomimes and TV appearances keeping them busy. They now also perform regular Christian concerts and 'evening with...' shows where they talk about their life story and their faith.

Recent publicity shot

Having been together for over 40 years, Cannon and Ball are now the longest running double-act in Britain.

Factfile

Bobby

Real name: Robert Harper
Born: 28 January 1944, Boundary Park Hospital, Oldham
Schools: High Crompton Secondary, Shaw, Oldham
1st Wife Joan, Married 1964, Separated 1968. 2 sons, Robert (1965) & Darren (1969)
2nd Wife Yvonne, Married 1971. 1 daughter, Joanne (1972)

Tommy

Real name: Thomas Derbyshire
Born: 27 June 1938, Oldham
Schools: Henshaw Secondary School, Oldham
1st Wife Margaret. 2 daughters, Janette and Julie
2nd Wife Hazel. 2 daughters, Kelly-Anne and Zoe. 1 son, Luke (1996)