Jason Manford, Matt Lucas and more have remembered Eddie Large as tributes continue to pour in.
The late 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) aged 78 after contracting coronavirus whilst in hospital to be treated for heart failure.
Fellow comedian Jason 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.
"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."
‘Little Britain’ star Matt Lucas recalled how Eddie was supportive of him early in his career on ‘Shooting Stars’.
He wrote: "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."
Lenny Henry added: "Eddie’s energy and electricity and impressions and props and improv were hugely impressive."
Eddie was a "lifelong" fan of Manchester City and the Premier League club posted a tribute to the star on their Twitter account.
It read: "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’s death was confirmed in a Facebook post by his son Ryan, who confirmed that the comic passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning.
He wrote: "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."