Tributes have poured in to British comedy legend Eddie Large following the news of his death from coronavirus.
The 78-year-old comic – who made up one half of the TV double act Little and Large with his partner Syd Little – passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning (02.04.20) after contracting the deadly respiratory illness whilst in hospital to be treated for heart failure.
His son Ryan confirmed his death in a Facebook post and now Eddie’s comedy peers and friends from the world of showbiz have taken the time to remember their late pal.
Tommy Cannon – who is one half of comedy duo Cannon and Ball with Bobby Ball – logged on to Twitter to send his condolences to Eddie’s wife Patsy, writing: "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."
Stand-up comedian Jimmy Cricket – who was a fixture on British television in the 1980s on his sketch show ‘And There’s More’ – tweeted: "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 xx"
Children’s TV entertainer Timmy Mallett thanked Eddie for all the laughs he had provided the British public over the decades, tweeting: "Dear Eddie Large – thank you for the laughter and joy. Deepest condolences to all your family and friends #RIP"
Former world heavyweight champion boxer Frank Bruno, who starred with Eddie in pantomime on many occasions and was a guest on ‘The Little and Large Show’, tweeted: "RIP Eddie Large of Little & Large we spent loads of quality time together including pantomimes and TV appearances. Funny funny man & great to work with."
Former ‘Strike It Lucky’ host Michael Barrymore took the time to thank Eddie for all the support he gave him when he was starting out in showbiz.
Michael posted on Twitter: "Eddie Large. He was such a funny and talented man. I was his support act for many years and he was nothing but kind caring and supportive to the upstart at the bottom of the Bill. Me. My love and condolences to Patsy, Samantha his daughter and Ryan his son. XXX"
Eddie’s son Ryan’s Facebook post confirmed that it was coronavirus – also known as COVID-19 – that had claimed the life of his dad.
The post 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, 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 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 that he achieved in his career with Syd and know that he was much loved by the millions that watched them each week.
"RIP Dad
"We love you and miss you, from all the family."
Tributes pour in for late comedy legend Eddie Large
