Comedy legend Eddie Large's family ask fans to bid a final farewell to him in Portishead, ahead of his funeral
Comedy legend Eddie Large's family have asked people in Portishead to say their final goodbyes before his funeral tomorrow (Friday 24 April).
Among the 10 close family and friends attending the funeral will be Eddie's comedy sidekick, Syd Little, who will be giving the eulogy at South Bristol Crematorium.
The service has been kept small because of the coronavirus outbreak and the need for mourners to socially distance.
To ensure Eddie gets the send off he deserves, his family have invited those who want to pay their respects to wave him off from their homes - while observing social distancing and respecting the coronavirus lockdown.
His funeral cortege will travel along the High Street in Portishead at 1.30pm tomorrow (April 24). It will then travel to South Bristol Crematorium where the funeral will take place.
Eddie lived at the town’s marina with his wife, Patsy, and was often seen out and about.
His coffin will have a large display of flowers in white and blue in a nod to his love of Manchester City.
Eddie's son, Ryan, said the most difficult thing about the restrictions is not being able to have his family to stay before the funeral.
Eddie’s daughter Alison will read a poem at the service.
The song ‘Run’ by Leona Lewis, which Eddie had previously dedicated to his wife due to its lyrics, will also be played.
There will also be a tribute to the comedy duo played by pianist and BBC correspondent Steve Rosenberg, who has recorded a version of the theme music from the Little and Large show.
Eddie died on Tuesday 2 April at the age of 78 after contracting coronavirus.
He died alone, with his family unable to be with him at Bristol's Southmead Hospital where he was undergoing treatment for heart problems.
Eddie became a household name, alongside his great friend Syd Little, after the pair won the ITV talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1971.
The duo had primetime shows with 'Little and Large' on both ITV and then the BBC.
Ryan announced his death in an emotional post on Facebook.
Speaking to ITV News, Ryan described him as a "great man and a great father" who "supported me in everything I did'.
A Justgiving fundraising page has been set up for people to make a donation in memory of Eddie.
All proceeds will go to Papworth Hospital in Cambridge where he underwent a life-changing heart transplant 17 years ago.
A memorial is also planned in Portishead, where he'd lived for 11 years, when lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Eddie will be leaving his home at The Mirage, Harbour Road at 1.30 pm tomorrow (Friday 24 April) which is where people have been invited to wave him off.