NOT Going Out viewers felt a mix of emotions watching the late Bobby Ball in tonight’s bittersweet Christmas special.
The comedy legend, who plays Lee Mack’s dad Frank in the BBC show, died from coronavirus in October.
Bobby, 76, filmed the special, as well as the yet to be aired 11th series, prior to his death and his hilarious lines tonight reminded fans what a talent he was.
He delivered gag after gag as the family had a disastrous gathering for New Year’s Eve.
They picked apart each other’s flaws and troubled relationships as the celebratory occasion descended into a boozy group therapy session.
It ended with Hugh Dennis having an X-rated meltdown in which he told everyone to “f**k off”.
Viewers enjoyed the special and paid tribute to Bobby, with one writing on Twitter: “Awwwww watching Bobby Ball in Not Going Out.”
Another commented: “Not going out , great to see Bobby ball , sadly missed funniest man ever.”
A third lamented: “Watching Not Going Out with Bobby Ball is absolutely heartbreaking.”
Lee Mack previously referred to their work on the show as he paid tribute after hearing of Bobby’s death.
He said: “I filmed with him a few weeks ago and he was his usual funny and cheeky self.
“To get to work with a childhood comedy hero was great but to call him a friend was even better.”
Not Going Out was first broadcast in 2006 and Bobby joined the cast three years later.
The BBC said: “When parlour games are suspended in favour of a no-holds-barred round of resolutions, friendly suggestions on how to improve individual behaviour are received with not a lot of festive spirit.”
Bobby, one half of 1980s comedy act Cannon and Ball, died in a Blackpool hospital after testing positive for Covid-19.
