Eddie LARGEdies of coronavirus - Little And Large comedian dead aged 78. Eddie Large has died after contracting coronavirus, his heartbroken son has confirmed.
Eddie, alongside funnyman Syd Little, made up one of Britain's most beloved comedy duos, who were known as Little And Large.
Their friendship endured for decades, even after they were forced to stop performing together because of Eddie's failing health.
He died alone in hospital without his family or friends allowed to visit him due to the strict rules around slowing the spread of the virus.
His son Ryan McGinnis broke the sad news on Facebook, telling family and friends that his Scottish comedian dad had passed away at the age of 78. "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 wrote. Eddie found fame alongside Syd (Little) in the talent show Opportunity Knocks, which they won in 1971.
He had suffered from ill health in the last few years and had a heart transplant in 2003, which put an end to his and Syd's double act. Eddie was determined his heart transplant in 2003 would see the start of a healthy new chapter in his life, after receiving the incredible "second chance".
He refused to keep bread in his house to avoid temptation and swerved all sweet treats, telling the Mirror: "It feels like I'm insulting the donor's family if I don't look after myself. "They gave me an incredible gift. I don't want to let them down."
Eighteen million regularly watched the Little and Large show on BBC1.
Even after they were forced to give up the entertainment life they loved, Eddie and Syd remained firm friends. Manchester City football club, of which Eddie was a lifelong fan, tweeted: "Everyone at Manchester City is sad to hear that lifelong City fan and celebrity Eddie Large has passed away aged 78. Our thoughts are with Eddie’s friends and family at this difficult time."
Eddie leaves behind his second wife Patsy and his three children, Samantha, Alison and Ryan.
* Credit Mirror.co.uk for the story.
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