Forgotten Christmas special airing for the first time in forty years

A Christmas special featuring iconic British stars is set to be aired for the first time in 40 years.

The Cannon and Ball Christmas special originally appeared on screens back on December 21, 1985.

It features legendary comedians Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball - whose much-loved variety show aired on ITV from 1979 to 1988.

For a festive offering, the duo's Christmas special will be shown on That's TV in the December schedule.

And following this installment will be a season of classic episodes.

Reacting to the momentous update, Tommy Cannon said: 'It’s wonderful news to hear That’s TV will be showing our shows again.

'I’m absolutely thrilled that the shows will be back where they belong on national TV.

'Seeing mine and Bobby’s work back on national television, well, it means more than I can put into words.'

The 87-year-old continued: 'We made the show with love, mischief, and a bond that never broke. To know people can sit down again – families, old fans, and new generations – and laugh with us touches my heart.

'I’m looking forward to sitting down and watching the shows again, along with the That’s TV viewers, this Christmas. It means the world.'

Some of their best programmes also include Cannon and Ball's Playhouse and Cannon and Ball's Casino. 

The pair also took part in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here and shared the screen in Not Going Out, where Ball played a recurring character. 

Kris Vaiksalu, That’s TV head of programming, said: 'The secret is out. Every year, we try to have a surprise Christmas gift for our viewers, but this year’s is stratospheric.

'Throughout the 1980s, Cannon and Ball was must-watch viewing for millions on a Saturday night, leaving the whole nation crying with laughter.

'Cannon and Ball is one of the biggest shows in British TV history, and really nothing compares to it in TV today.' 

Unfortunately, Bobby Ball passed away in 2020 at the age of 76 after testing positive for Covid-19.

Speaking on ITV's This Morning at the time, Cannon said: 'It's a very sad time… and this moment and time, I don't know where I am.

'I can't believe he's passed away. I can't make any sense of it yet, I really can't. I miss him terribly, I loved him to bits.

'We had a great career. With great memories to look back on… and I know one day I'll meet him again. Oh rest in peace, lad.'

He added: 'I don't think I'll ever get over it. I don't. It's an empty feeling that after nearly 58 years working together starting in the pubs and working men's clubs...it took fifteen years before we got on to TV.'

In October of this year, it was announced a 41-minute episode from the 80s would hit ITVX as part of ITV's 70th celebrations.

The synopsis read: 'Double act Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball entertain us with their own unique brand of humour. 

'The programmes feature various sketch shows along with many celebrity guests.'

The streaming service added: 'As part of ITV’s 70th birthday celebrations, enjoy the famous duo Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball as they entertain us with their own unique brand of humour.' 

However there iwas also a warning which stated: 'This classic British comedy reflects the attitudes and language of its time,' as well as the option to turn on parental controls.