UK Eurovision legend Clodagh Rodgers dies aged 78 after three-year illness as family speak out
Eurovision legend Clodagh Rodgers has died at the age of 78 following a three-year illness.
The Northern Irish singer, who represented the UK in the 1971 Eurovision Song Contest, passed away peacefully on Friday surrounded by her family in Cobham.
Her death was confirmed by her son Sam Sorbie in a heartfelt Facebook post shared on Saturday.
Rodgers had been battling an illness for the past three years before her passing.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes blasted for ‘vile’ ITV CBB act as fans switch off over ‘rank’ behaviourNadiya Bychkova sends clear message as ex Kai Widdrington goes public with new romance after splitThe Sopranos star, 94, heartbreak as daughter, 58, dies after brain cancer battle: ‘A bright light’
“Life will not be the same without Mum, but she will finally be at peace now with dad, nanny and pappa.”
Beyond Eurovision, Rodgers was known for hit singles including “Come Back and Shake Me” and “Lady Love Bug”.
She 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.
So sad the news about Clodagh Rodgers, a star in many spheres: Film, TV, Stage & hit songs & of course Eurovision. She worked with so many greats in different genres. Commiserations to Frank, Louis & Lavinia & bless you for asking, and trusting, me to write her obituary. xx pic.twitter.com/TLZbFZKlFh
— Mike Read (@MikeReadUK) April 19, 2025
Following her Eurovision appearance, Rodgers became a regular guest on television in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.
She made her West End debut in the 1990s and released her final album, “The Kenny Young Years”, in 2012.
Fans quickly expressed their condolences following the announcement of Rodgers’ death.
One wrote: “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.”
Another added: “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.”
“Very sad to hear that Sam. She brought so much joy to so many people,” commented a third fan.
Rodgers was born on 5 March 1947 in Northern Ireland and began her professional singing career at just 13 years old.
She first performed by opening for Michael Holliday, with her father, a dancehall tour promoter, helping secure her signing with Decca in 1962.
Her television debut came on 26 September 1962, when she appeared on BBC TV’s Adam Faith Show, performing “Let’s Jump the Broomstick”.
She worked on her early singles under the guidance of producer Shel Talmy.