Northern Irish pop singer and former Eurovision representative Clodagh Rodgers has passed away at the age of 78 following a long illness. She famously represented the United Kingdom in the 1971 Eurovision Song Contest with Jack in the box and went on to have a vibrant career in music, television, and stage.
The sad news was confirmed by her son, Sam Sorbie, on 18 April 2025. According to the announcement, Clodagh Rodgers had been battling a long-term illness for the past three years. She died peacefully at her home in Surrey, England.
Born on 5 March 1947 in Warrenpoint, County Down, Clodagh Rodgers rose to fame in the late 1960s. Her breakthrough came with chart-topping hits such as Come back and shake me and Goodnight midnight, which turned her into a household name in the United Kingdom. Her distinctive voice and upbeat style quickly gained a loyal following.
Love, don’t go away
But it was in 1971 that she earned a special place in the hearts of Eurovision fans. Representing the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin, Clodagh Rodgers performed Jack in the box, which secured fourth place in the competition. The catchy, energetic track went on to become a commercial success, peaking at number four on the UK Singles Chart.
After Eurovision, Rodgers continued to enjoy a successful career. She made regular appearances on British television, including her own variety show, and starred in musicals in London’s West End. In addition to her artistic pursuits, she became a familiar face in advertising, notably featuring in a long-running campaign for Bisto gravy.
In her later years, Rodgers stepped away from the public eye, living a quieter life in Surrey. Despite her absence from the stage, she remained fondly remembered by fans of British pop and Eurovision alike.
Her passing marks the end of an era for many who remember her spirited performances and enduring charm.
You can relive Clodagh Rodgers’ 1971 performance of Jack in the box here:
Photo source: The Mirror
