Clodagh Rodgers, who represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1971, has died ‘peacefully’ at age 78.
The Northern Irish singer secured fourth place with her song Jack In The Box when the competition was held in Dublin.
Her son, Sam Sorbie, confirmed the news in a heartfelt tribute, writing: ‘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.’
Her appearance on Eurovision was monumental, as the contest being held in Dublin sparked concern for UK organisers.
The BBC reportedly feared the response the audience might have to an English act appearing on stage during the height of The Troubles.
Rodgers, as a Catholic woman from Northern Ireland, took the risk and even received death threats from the IRA.
However, her song proved popular and landed her in fourth place, with Monaco taking the crown thanks to Séverine’s Un banc, un arbre, une rue.
Jack In The Box went on to secure number four in the UK charts, becoming her third hit song and remaining her biggest track to date.
Her other songs included Come Back and Shake Me and Goodnight Midnight but she retired from music after the birth of her son.
Rodgers also appeared on various TV shows over the years as well as hosting her own The Clodagh Rodgers Show on Irish channels.
In the 90s, she appeared in West End productions, including Blood Brothers, as well as landing a recurring role in The Bill in the 00s.
Many will also recognise the late star for her string of adverts as the face of Bisto gravy.
Away from the spotlight, she split from her husband and manager after the birth of their son, before marrying Ian Sorbie in 1987. He died in 1995.
This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
For more stories like this, check our entertainment page.
Follow Metro.co.uk Entertainment on Twitter and Facebook for the latest celeb and entertainment updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.