Ball was born in Bristol and attended Kingswood Primary School on the eastern edge of the city.

He was nicknamed Johnny after John Ball, who played for Bolton Wanderers from 1950 to 1958 and the name stuck.

Ball's shows were known for presenting scientific and technological principles in an entertaining and accessible way for young people.

[13] In 2012, Ball took part in the Strictly Come Dancing television show, where he was paired with Aliona Vilani.

A training accident in the three-week interval resulted in torn ligaments for Vilani, causing her to retire temporarily from the show.