It is with sadness that ESCToday reports the passing of Marion Fossett, a celebrated Irish entertainer and former Eurovision participant. Fossett, best known as the ringmistress of the iconic Fossett’s Circus, died at the age of 71 after an illness. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy in both circus arts and music.
Marion Fossett, a prominent figure in Irish entertainment, has passed away at the age of 71. While renowned for her lifelong dedication to Fossett’s Circus, where she served as the elegant ringmistress, Eurovision fans will remember her for her contribution to the contest in 1981.
In 1981, Marion Fossett represented Ireland on home soil as one-third of the popular girl group Sheeba. Alongside Maxi and Frances Campbell, she performed the upbeat track ‘Horoscopes’ at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin. The trio achieved a respectable fifth place, scoring 105 points, including 12 points from both Cyprus and Denmark.
Beyond her Eurovision appearance, Fossett’s career spanned over six decades, deeply rooted in the family-run Fossett’s Circus, which has been touring Ireland since the late 1880s. She made her debut in the ring at just 18 months old and mastered a wide range of performance skills, including aerial acts, contortion, and sword balancing, before taking on the role of ringmistress from her father. Her powerful stage presence and ability to connect with audiences made her a beloved and instantly recognisable figure in Irish circus life.
Marion Fossett also ventured into mainstream entertainment, performing on London’s cabaret scene, appearing on prime-time British television programmes, and co-hosting RTÉ’s ‘The Big Top’. Her family confirmed her passing in a statement, remembering her as ‘a shining star’.
The ESCToday Team would like to convey our deepest condelences and sympathies to Marion’s family and friends in these distressful times. RIP.
