Clodagh Rodgers dead: Eurovision icon dies after health battle

Eurovision legend Clodagh Rodgers, who represented the UK for Ireland in 1971 with her son Jack In The Box, has died.

The singer, also known for her hits Come Back and Shake Me and Lady Love Bug, died on Friday after a short illness. Her son Sam Sorbie announced the news in a sad post today. He wrote on the social media site: "With a heavy heart, my dear beautiful mum Clodagh has sadly passed away after battling an illness for the last three years. She passed away peacefully yesterday surrounded by her family in Cobham.

"Mum has lived an incredible life, full of love and happiness. Her fantastic career performing, traveling the , devoting her life to her two sons and being the rock of this family. Life will not be the same without Mum, but she will finally be at peace now with dad, nanny and pappa. We all love and miss her terribly."

Clodagh leaves behind two sons Sam and Matt. The singer was married twice. First to her manager, John, and then to bass guitarist Ian Sorbie, who died in 1995.

Clodagh finished fourth in 1971 with 98 points, behind winner Monaco, who racked up 128 points with their winning song, Un banc, un arbre, une rue (A bench, a tree, a street) which was sung by Séverine.

The songstress had hit singles with Come Back and Shake Me and Goodnight Midnight, as well as her performance in Eurovision. Following her spot in the singing competition, Clodagh appeared as a resident guest on It's Cliff Richard, which was a prime-time variety show hosted by the iconic singer, from January 1971 on One. She performed one shortlisted song a week for six weeks.

Fans flocked to pay tribute to the singer, with one writing in the comments: "All our condolences Sam and sincere thanks for informing us here in such a personal and timely way at this time of great personal bereavement. It means more than I can say to those many of us who loved your wonderful mum from afar."

Another fan added: "Very sad to hear that Sam. She brought so much joy to so many people. Sending love and light to you and the rest of the family at this sad time." A third also commented with their tribute: "So sorry to hear this Sam. Those of us on here realise what a special lady she was. A great talent and lovely person. Much underrated."

Others lamented the passing of Clodagh, with one posting on X, formerly known as : "Very sad news indeed. I remember her from the Clodagh Rodgers Shows and of course from Eurovision. Lovely lady, lovely voice. May Clodagh rest in peace." Another fan posted that they would be playing one of Clodagh's hit singles: "Playing "Jack in a Box" all day in memoriam of Clodagh Rodgers."

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