Little and Large comedian Eddie Large has died at the age of 78.
A Facebook post from the family of Eddie, who’s real name is Edward Hugh McGinnis, said the star died from heart failure after contracting coronavirus in hospital.
The post, written by the star’s son Ryan, read: “It is with great sadness that mum and I need to announce that my dad, Edward McGinnis, passed away in the early hours of this morning.
“He had been suffering with heart failure and unfortunately, while in hospital, contracted the coronavirus, which his heart was sadly not strong enough to fight.”
The heartbreaking post continued: “Dad fought bravely for so long. Due to this horrible disease we had been unable to visit him at the hospital, but all of the family and close friends spoke to him every day.”
Little and Large comedian Eddie Large has died at the age of 78 (Image: MDM)
The statement concluded: “We will miss his terribly and we are so proud of everything he achieved in his career with Syd (Little) and know that he was much loved by millions that watched them each week. RIP dad. We love and miss you from all the family.”
Eddie lived in Portishead, near Bristol, with his wife Patsy and 26-year-old son. He also had two daughters and three grandchildren.
After being admitted to hospital in March 2002 due to kidney problems, he underwent a heart transplant at Papworth Hospital, Cambridge in 2003 at the age of 62, but recovered fully.
Eddie and comedy partner Syd Little were known for their Little and Large double act (Image: Getty Images)
Large was also hospitalised for some weeks in late 2013 after tripping over a road sign near his Portishead home.
Eddie formed the double act Little and Large with pal Syd Little in 1963.
The pair rocketed to fame in 1971 when they went on to ITV’s Opportunity Knocks and ended up winning the competition.
They were soon stars of their own comedy show on the same channel, before switching sides to the BBC in 1978.
The Little and Large Show ran on the channel until 1991 and at its peak boasted 15million viewers.
Tributes have been pouring in since the news of his death was announced.
Comedian Tommy Cannon wrote on Twitter: “Devastated to hear that my good friend Eddie Large has passed.. very heavy hearts at home today. Mine and Hazels hearts go out to Patsy and the family.”
Stars such as Tommy Cannon have left tributes online (Image: TWITTER/TOMMY CANNON)
While comedy entertainer Jimmy Cricket added: “With a heavy heart I have just found out, (through his son Ryan), that his father Eddie Large has passed away. I worked many times with him and his partner Sid, they were not only a great act, but such fun to be with! Our thoughts and prayers goes to Patsy and Ryan and family.”
Piers Morgan also added: “What sad news – he and Syd Little were one of Britain’s most beloved comedy duos. RIP.”
There hasn’t been a statement from Eddie’s comedy partner Syd Little as of yet.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
