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Eddie Large dies at 78 after contracting coronavirus

Comedy double act Eddie Large (left) and Syd Little in a rhyming detective sketch for the BBC Television variety show 'The Little and Large Show', February 12th 1991. (Photo by Don Smith/Radio Times/Getty Images)
Eddie Large (left) and Syd Little in a sketch for 'The Little and Large Show' in 1991. (Don Smith/Radio Times/Getty Images)

Comedian Eddie Large has died at the age of 78 after contracting the coronavirus.

The star’s son Ryan McGinnis made the sad announcement in a post on Facebook.

He said his dad – who made up comedy duo Little And Large with Syd Little – contracted the virus while he was in hospital.

Read more: Comedian Roy Hudd dies at 83

He said: “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.

Lead singer of The Who, Roger Daltrey pulling a punch on Eddie Large with the help of Syd Little.  The last in the present series of the 'Little and Large' show will be aired on April 5th
Roger Daltrey pulling a punch on Eddie Large with the help of Syd Little

"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.”

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He went on: "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.

"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 every week.

"RIP Dad. We love you and miss you from all the family."

Comedian Matt Lucas was among those to pay tribute to the star.

He wrote on Twitter: “Eddie Large (along with his supersonic friend Syd) was really lovely and kind and encouraging to me when I was a nipper on Shooting Stars. So sad to hear of his passing.”

Funnyman Rory Bremner posted: “Sad to hear Eddie Large has died. One of the great 80s double-acts, no mean impressionist, and a lovely, funny man too. *steps back in amazement*.”

Large, whose real name was Edward Hugh McGinnis, formed the double act Little and Large with Syd Little in 1963.

They performed in clubs together and went on to win Opportunity Knocks in 1971.

They starred in many TV programmes and had their own series, The Little And Large Show.