Comedian Eddie Large, 78, dies alone in hospital from coronavirus while he was being treated for heart failure, family say
- The Glasgow-born comedian was best known for his partnership with Syd Little
- Comedy duo would draw in up to 25million viewers at height of their TV fame
- But in the 1990s Eddie had health problems and had heart transplant in 2003
- Major organ failed again and he died alone in hospital where he got Covid-19
- His son Ryan said: ‘His heart was sadly not strong enough to fight it’
Eddie Large, one half of the famous comedy double act Little and Large, has died from coronavirus aged 78 after contracting the infection in hospital while being treated for heart failure, his family revealed today.
The Glasgow-born comedian, whose real name was Edward Hugh McGinnis, was known for his partnership with Syd Little which spanned five decades after being formed in 1971.
Eddie, who lived with his wife Patsy in Portishead, near Bristol, died alone in hospital because of a ban on visitors during the current crisis with his son Ryan saying ‘his heart was sadly not strong enough to fight’ coronavirus.
Little and Large were among the biggest stars of the 1970s and 1980s and at their peak up to 25million viewers would watch their TV show.
But in the 1990s Eddie suffered health problems, leading to the premature end of their act, and they were last seen on together in February 2019 in a celebrity special of the BBC’s Pointless gameshow.
The father of three had a successful heart transplant in 2003 – but it appears that the organ began to fail before his death, leading to his hospital admission.
Mr Large is the most famous Briton to be killed by coronavirus, which has now claimed 2,332 lives in the UK with deaths hitting 500-a-day yesterday.
Stars of the his era today paid tribute to the star, including Michael Barrymore, Timmy Mallett and Tommy Cannon, from Cannon and Ball, who called him a ‘kind’ and ‘generous’ man, as well as an extraordinarily gifted comedian.
Eddie Large, pictured with his wife Patsy at home in Portishead after he had a heart transplant in 2003, was in hospital as the organ failed and contracted coronavirus
Eddie Large, pictured with Syd Little at the height of their fame in 1985, has died after contracting coronavirus in hospital during heart treatment
Little and Large were last seen together in February 2019 on a celebrity special of BBC quiz show Pointless
His death was revealed by his son Ryan, who said his father died without them because of visiting restrictions
Little Britain’s Matt Lucas paid tribute on Twitter, writing: ‘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.’
Actress Kate Robbins remembered Large as a ‘great chap’.
She tweeted: ‘Sorry to hear the comedian Eddie Large has died. What a great chap he was. A real pro. Rest in peace Eddie ‘.
Jason Manford tweeted: ‘So sorry to hear about Eddie Large passing away. Came to every comedy and musical show I did whenever I hit Bristol and was always around for a chat about comedy and Man City afterwards. Such a gentle, funny man. RIP Eddie.’
The comedian’s heartbroken son Ryan McGinnis wrote on Facebook today: ‘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 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. RIP Dad. We love you and miss you from all the family.’
Mr Large, pictured on Good Morning Britain in 2017, was described as ‘kind’ and ‘talented’ by those who knew him
Stars of Eddie Large’s era have paid tribute to him today, including his regular support act Michael Barrymore