Stand-up comedian Jethro has died at the age of 73 after a battle with coronavirus.
The Cornish funnyman, whose real name was Geoffrey Rowe, passed away on Tuesday.
A statement on Facebook said: “Tragically Jethro passed away on 14th December 2021 after contracting Covid-19.
“Jethro leaves behind his life partner Jennie, sons Jesse and Lanyon, step daughter Sarah, daughter-in-law Stacey and of course his much loved grandchildren.
“We ask that you respect our privacy at this very sad time and give us all time to grieve. will continue to support each other in the knowledge that our lives will never be the same without him.”
He announced his retirement from comedy in February last year with a final run of tour dates but it had been postponed since August due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Actress and comedian Dawn French paid tribute on Twitter, saying: “This gloriously un-pc Cornishman, Jethro,(Geoffrey Rowe) has left us. Some of my most helpless with laughter moments were in his presence. A supremely gifted comedian. Thoughts with all he loved.”
Born in St Buryan in 1948, Jethro rose to prominence as a comedian in the 1970s and 80s before making his first national TV appearance on The Des O’Connor Show in 1990.
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