They once played to sellout audiences of 3,400 at the London Palladium and were watched by millions of television viewers.

But these days Cannon and Ball’s appearances are in rather more intimate venues.

On Sunday, May 24, the comedy duo will be performing in front of just of 160 people at Ashford’s Sandyacres Sports & Social Centre.

It’s a far cry from the days when the duo had their own series on television (The Cannon & Ball Show from 1980 to 1992), their own television sitcom, guested on shows such as Wogan, Parkinson, Des O’Connor and Sunday Night at the London Palladium and appeared at several Royal Command performances.

Their appearance at Sandyacres is a coup for the centre’s proprietor Ernie Warren who is confident all seats will be sold and Cannon and Ball, whose careers spane more more than four decades, will be a hit with the audience.

So how did he manage to get Cannon and Ball to come to Ashford?

Mr Warren said: "I know an agent in Surrey and he gets offered big names every so often so when Cannon and Ball came up I jumped at the chance.

"We has The Searchers here last year and that was a sellout so I’m confident it will be the same with Cannon and Ball. From the London Palladium to here is quite a difference."

The comedy duo are appearing on Sunday between 6.30pm and 10.30pm, supported by a singing duo called Acropolis.

They are also appearing at the New Beach holiday centre at Dymchurch on Saturday night.

To check if any tickets are still available call Ernie Warren at Sandyacres on 01233 627373