Comedian Eddie Large dies aged 78 after contracting coronavirus

Comedian Eddie Large has died at the age of 78 after contracting coronavirus while being treated in hospital for heart failure.

The Glasgow-born comedian, whose real name was Edward Hugh McGinnis, was known for his partnership with Syd Little which spanned five decades after winning Opportunity Knocks in 1971.

Large’s son, Ryan McGinnis, broke the news in a Facebook post, explaining that his father caught Covid-19 while in hospital.

He wrote: “It is with great sadness that Mum and I need to announce that my dad passed away in the early hours of this morning.

"He had been suffering with heart failure and unfortunately, whilst in hospital, contracted the coronavirus, which his heart was sadly not strong enough to fight. Dad had 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.

“We will miss him terribly and we are so proud of everything he achieved in his career with Syd and know that he was much loved by the millions that watched them each week.”

Reacting to the news, TV hosts Ant and Dec said the entertainer, who they recently worked with, "will be missed".

"He just loved making people laugh," they wrote.

So sad to hear about the passing of Eddie Large. We had the pleasure of working with him and Sid a few years ago. He just loved making people laugh. He will be missed.
Our thoughts are with his family at this time. X pic.twitter.com/cDpsn6j61N

— antanddec (@antanddec) April 2, 2020