“EUROVISION Song Contest star Clodagh Rodgers has died aged 78. The Northern Irish singer finished fourth in the long-running competition in 1971, representing the UK with song Jack in the Box. 3 Clodagh Rodgers sang Jack in the Box at the 1971 Eurovision contest Credit: Getty 3 Rodgers has died aged 78 Credit: Getty 3”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
The Northern Irish singer finished fourth in the long-running competition in 1971, representing the UK with song Jack in the Box.
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Clodagh Rodgers sang Jack in the Box at the 1971 Eurovision contestCredit: Getty
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Rodgers has died aged 78Credit: Getty
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Rodgers would go on to finish in fourth place in the competitionCredit: GettyHer son Sam Sorbie confirmed the news in a Facebook post today, saying she died on Friday after a three-year illness.
In a heartfelt tribute he penned: “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 world, 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.”
He added: “We all love and miss her terribly.”
Rodgers finished fourth with 98 points during her Eurovision appearance, losing to Monaco, with winning act Séverine scoring 128 points for song Un banc, un arbre, une rue.
Rise to stardomShe was born in Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland, on March 5 1947 and began singing professionally at the age of 13, opening for chart-topping Liverpudlian pop singer Michael Holliday.
Her dad – a dance hall tour promoter – helped her sign with Decca Records in 1962, with her early singles produced by American industry mogul Shel Talmy, who famously also worked with The Who and The Kinks.
Rodgers first appeared on TV in 1962 as a guest on BBC’s Adam Faith Show performing Let’s Jump the Broomstick.
After marrying John Morris – who became her manager – she signed for RCA in 1968 before catching the attention of producer and songwriter Kenny Young after an appearance on BBC2’s Colour Me Pop.
A string of hits followed, including Come Back and Shake Me, and Goodnight Midnight which helped make her the best-selling female singles artist of 1969.
The same year she won The Best Legs in British show business, insured her voice for £1million and was voted favourite female singer by NME.
She also continued to make TV appearances and became a household name before taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest, hosted in Dublin.
Rodgers wore a pink frilly top and spangled hot pants during the performance.
A Catholic, she received death threats from the IRA who considered her a traitor for representing the UK.
Her song Jack in the Box was later released as a single and reached number three in the UK charts.
Rodgers went on to play herself in the BBC sitcom Whack-Oi! and became the face of Bisto gravy in a series of TV adverts.
She also appeared on the likes of The Morecambe and Wise Show and The Two Ronnies during the 1970s – and continued to have chart success throughout the decade.
The star eventually opted to focus on motherhood in the 1980s after her son Sam was born with second husband guitarist Ian Sorbie, who died in 1995.
Rodgers went on to play a recurring role in ITV police drama The Bill in 2001.