Eddie Large's son broke the news today that the comedy legend died at the age of 78 after contracting the coronavirus in hospital as he battled heart disease.
Heartbreakingly, due to the restrictions on the contagious virus, Eddie's family weren't able to be with him in his final moments.
His wife Patsy Large has told how she got to spend a few minutes talking with him only the night before.
"We are all absolutely heartbroken. Eddie fought so hard to live.
“Catching coronavirus was the final straw for him," she said.
Patsy and Eddie had been married for 37 years after tying the knot in 1983 and went on to have son Ryan.
It was Ryan who had alerted fans to news of his father's death this morning with a statement on Facebook.
Eddie also leaves behind two daughters and three grandchildren.
He was previously married to Sandra Bigwood, who he wed in 1965.
Six years after his first wedding, Eddie appeared on talent show Opportunity Knocks with his comedy partner Cyril Meed, otherwise known as Syd Little.
The duo went on to win the 1971 show and launched very successful careers going on to star in multiple TV comedy programmes, including their own series The Little And Large Show.
The latter part of Eddie's life was blighted by ill health and his devoted wife Patsy supported him through his biggest scare.
In 2002 Patsy was by Eddie's side when he was rushed to hospital by ambulance.
She was told at the time he might not make the journey.
But the Scottish star underwent a heart transplant at the age of 63 and made a full recovery.
Speaking to the Mirror about his gratitude to the donor's family in 2016, Eddie said: "You could write ‘thank you’ 500 times and it still wouldn’t be enough.
“I told them my granddaughters had only seen me slumped in a chair, struggling to breathe. Now I could play in the garden with them.”
Three years later, Eddie's heartbroken son Ryan McGinnis broke the sad news on Facebook that his dad had died.
He shared: "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 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."
