Clodagh Rodgers, the celebrated singer who represented the United Kingdom in the 1971 Eurovision Song Contest, has passed away at the age of 78. Her family confirmed the news, stating that she died peacefully on April 17, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones in Cobham, following a three-year battle with illness.
Born in Warrenpoint, County Down, in 1947, Rodgers began her singing career at the tender age of 13. She quickly rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, becoming a prominent figure on British music television shows and appearing in musical films such as Just For Fun and It’s All Over Town. Her early hits, including “Come Back and Shake Me” and “Goodnight Midnight,” established her as the top-selling female singles artist in 1969.
Clodagh's remarkable journey took a significant turn when she was selected by the BBC to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Dublin in 1971. Over the course of six weeks, she performed a total of six songs on the show It’s Cliff Richard, with her winning entry determined by regional juries. Her song “Jack in the Box” ultimately finished in fourth place, scoring 98 points and narrowly missing a top-three result by just two points.
Despite the competitive nature of the contest, “Jack in the Box” later climbed to number four on the UK singles chart, marking a high point in her career. However, her participation in Eurovision came with its challenges. As a Catholic from Northern Ireland, she faced kidnap threats from the IRA, who viewed her as a traitor for agreeing to represent the UK.
Following her Eurovision experience, Clodagh continued to thrive as a performer, becoming a regular guest on television shows in both Ireland and the United Kingdom. She appeared in popular programs such as Sunday Night at the Palladium, The Morecambe and Wise Show, and The Two Ronnies. Her ability to connect with audiences made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
In the 1990s, Rodgers made her West End debut, showcasing her talents in theatre productions. She starred in notable shows like Pump Boys and Dinettes and Blood Brothers, further solidifying her status as a versatile performer. In 2012, she released her final album, The Kenny Young Years, which reflected on her extensive career.
Rodgers' son, Sam Sorbie, shared a heartfelt statement on Facebook, expressing the family's grief. “With a heavy heart, my dear beautiful mum Clodagh has sadly passed away after battling an illness for the last three years,” he wrote. He added, “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.”
As news of her passing spread, tributes poured in from fans and colleagues alike, celebrating her contributions to music and television. The Eurovoix team expressed their condolences, stating, “We would like to express our condolences to Clodagh Rodger’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Clodagh Rodgers leaves behind a rich legacy in the entertainment world, remembered not only for her musical talents but also for her resilience and warmth. Her influence on both the music scene and the television landscape in the UK will not be forgotten.
