An electrode assembly for an electrosurgical instrument comprises an electrode body 5 having an electrode tip 4 and an elongate electrode stem 7. An insulating housing 3 has an elongate bore 13 formed therein, such that the electrode stem can be received within the bore with the electrode tip 4 extending from the distal end of the housing and a proximal portion 8 of the stem extending from the proximal end of the bore 13. During assembly, heat e.g. welding, is applied to the proximal portion of the stem to form it into a ball 15, the diameter of the ball being greater than that of the bore 13 such that it forms a mechanical stop preventing the electrode stem 7 from being moved distally with respect to the insulating housing.
