Eddie Large, Scottish comedian, dies ‘after contracting COVID-19 in hospital’

Edward McGinnis, Scottish comedian better known as Eddie Large, has passed away after he was said to have contracted COVID-19 in the hospital.

The ‘Little And Large’ star, who was best known for his long-running comedy partnership with Syd Little, died at 78 after contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, while being treated in hospital for heart failure.

Peter Mansfield, his agent, who broke the sad news, said he died in the earlier hours of Thursday.

“His family were very sad not to be able to be in the same room as him, touching him, in the last week because of coronavirus,” he told Press Association news agency.

“They were only able to speak on the phone, which was obviously very sad for them. But they wanted to say thank you to the NHS, which was fantastic throughout.

“He was at Southmead Hospital and the Papworth Hospital, which did his heart transplant 17 years ago, were in constant communication and a great help as well.

“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.”

Ryan McGinnis, the deceased’s son, also took to his social media page where he lauded his father’s courage with the novel disease before he eventually gave up the ghost.

“It is with great sadness that Mum and I need to announce that my dad passed away in the early hours of this morning,” he wrote on Facebook.

“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.”

Large’s death further stretches the list of celebrities who have lost their lives after contracting the killer virus.

TheCable Lifestyle had earlier reported how Andrew Jack, British actor and dialect coach, also died on Tuesday at 76 after suffering complications from the pandemic.