Covid claims Cornish comedy star

West County comedian Jethro has died at the age of 73 after contracting Covid.

A statement on his Facebook page confirmed the news, saying: ‘It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of the well known and popular Cornish comedian Jethro.

‘Tragically Jethro passed away on 14 December 2021 after contracting COVID-19. Jethro leaves behind his life partner Jennie, sons Jesse and Lanyon, step daughter Sarah, daughter-in-law Stacey and of course his much loved grandchildren.

‘We ask that you respect our privacy at this very sad time and give us all time to grieve. We will continue to support each other in the knowledge that our lives will never be the same without him.'

Jethro, whose real name was Geoff Rowe, was born in St Buryan in west Cornwall. After leaving school he worked as a carpenter and after his apprenticeship went to work in a tin mine.

He started in showbusiness singing traditional songs in Cornish pubs. At the age of 18, he joined a local operatic society. But he discovered he could get laughs, too, and so became a comic.

His reputation grew beyond the South West and although he was rarely seen on TV – save for the occasional chat-show appearance – his DVDs and videos sold in considerable numbers. His first, 1993's A Portion of Jethro, sold nearly 150,000 copies and it's estimated that he sold 4 million DVDs across his career.

At his peak, he also sold more than 250,000 theatre seats a year, but in February last year, he announced on social media that he was to 'hang up my mic' and retire from comedy. He said at the time: 'It’s been a hard decision, but my memory has made it easier. A big thank you to everyone that has come to see me over 50 years.'

Jim Davidson was among those paying tribute today, writing on Twitter: 'My good friend Jethro has left us. RIP Jethro, you will be greatly missed.'

Former Britain's Got Talent finalist Danny Posthill added: 'I remember when I first started showing an interest in comedy and I used to buy stand up shows on VHS with my paper round money. Lee Evans, Chubby Brown, Jim Davidson, Jimmy Jones and Jethro. Sadly today one of those legends have left us. RIP Jethro. Thanks for the laughs.'

His death even attracted comment from Great Western Railway, which made reference to one of his most famous routines (see below). They posted: 'We were really sad to hear about the passing of Jethro. May you rest peacefully in the knowledge that the train does indeed now stop at Camborne on Wednesdays.'

Published: 15 Dec 2021