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Cornish comedian Jethro dies age 73 after contracting coronavirus

Cornish comedian Jethro, real name Geoffrey Rowe, has died at the age of 72 after contracting Covid-19 (Barry Batchelor/PA)
Cornish comedian Jethro, real name Geoffrey Rowe, has died at the age of 73 after contracting COVID-19. (PA)

Comedian and singer Jethro has died at the age of 73 after contracting coronavirus.

The Cornish entertainer - whose real name was Geoffrey Rowe - passed away on 14 December after catching the virus.

Watch: Late comedian Jethro performs stand up routine in 2010

His manager said in a statement: "It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of the well known and popular Cornish comedian Jethro.

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"Tragically Jethro passed away on 14th December 2021 after contracting COVID-19.

"Jethro leaves behind his life partner Jennie, sons Jesse and Lanyon, stepdaughter 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.

"We will continue to support each other in the knowledge that our lives will never be the same without him."

Jethro achieved popularity in Devon and Cornwall in the 70s and 80 before rising to national fame in the 90s after an appearance on The Des O'Connor Show.

His comedy was very much of the 'old school', making use of his Cornish background and accent, as well as profanity and sexual innuendo.

Vicar of Dibley star Dawn French said: "Oh. B****r. 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. Geddon bey."

His contemporary Jim Davidson has tweeted: "My good friend Jethro has left us. RIP Jethro, you will be greatly missed."

Stand-up Richard Herring also paid tribute saying: "RIP Jethro. Gigged in the same building as him twice, always to much smaller audiences, both times, weirdly, his show started 30 mins before mine and his show was played into my dressing room."

Read more: Captain Sir Tom Moore dies aged 100 after testing positive for COVID

Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts tweeted: "What’s the difference between our laws and in laws? Outlaws are wanted” RIP. Denzil will live forever."

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