Comedian Eddie Large dies aged 78 after contracting coronavirus

Eddie Large, best known as one half of comedy duo Little and Large, died on Thursday after contracting coronavirus in hospital as the death toll soared by 569.

The 78-year-old, who enjoyed fame alongside Syd Little in the 1970s and 1980s, was simply not strong enough to fight it off, his son said.

He died alone at Southmead Hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning, his family having been unable to visit him in his final days.

It came as the Government confirmed a further 569 people had died with the virus, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths 2,921. Victims were aged between 22 and 100 years old.

Among the victims was Lord Gordon of Strathblane, 83, the former broadcaster and Labour peer, who died on Tuesday after apparently contracting the virus.

In a statement, relatives paid tribute to "a much-loved brother and uncle" who took "great pleasure in spending time with his extended family".

It said: "Family was very important to Jimmy - of all the roles he had in his life, the one that brought him most pleasure was being 'Papa' to his four grandchildren, with whom he was frankly besotted.

"All messages received over the last day have focused on three things - his generosity, his kindness and his enthusiasm for life.”

The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee, of which Lord Gordon was a member, said: “We will miss him dearly and send our condolences to his family."

Large’s son, Ryan McGinnis, announced news of his father’s death on Facebook, explaining  “with great sadness” that he had contracted Covid-19 while in hospital.

“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,” he wrote.

“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.”

His agent Peter Mansfield said his family were upset they had not been able to spend time with him over the last week because of the coronavirus diagnosis.

He said the Papworth Hospital, where Large had undergone a heart transplant 17 years ago, had been in “constant communication” and had been a great help.

"The family wanted to say how grateful they are for the extra 17 years that they have had with Eddie. And a huge thank you to the donor and the donor's family,” he said.

Fellow comedians and actors, from Matt Lucas to Jason Manford, flocked to social media to pay tribute to “a real pro” who “just loved making people laugh.”