The star’s household shared the unhappy information
Eurovision and circus legend Marion Fossett has died on the age of 71 (Picture: NA)
Eurovision Tune Contest icon Marion Fossett, who represented Eire within the annual occasion in 1981 as one third of Sheeba, died in hospital on Friday, aged 71. The star, who was additionally the ringmistress of the legendary Fossett’s Circus, had been unwell for a while.
Her household confirmed the information in an announcement on social media, writing: “It is with nice disappointment, we the Fossett household want to share the information of the passing of our beloved Marion Fossett. She was a shining star in our lives and we’re heartbroken by her loss.”
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Marion made her debut within the ring of the family-run Fossett’s Circus, which has been touring because the late Eighteen Eighties, at simply 18 months outdated in a basket on an elephant.
All through the years, she mastered a variety of efficiency abilities and have become referred to as an achieved aerialist, contortionist and sword balancer.
Talking about her love of the circus, she as soon as stated: “You may shake the sawdust out of your toes, however you by no means shake it out of your blood.”
Unusually although, she additionally discovered mainstream fame away from the circus as an actress, singer and TV presenter.
A spell dwelling in London led to success on the major cabaret venues, and he or she featured on many prime-time Saturday evening tv programmes, together with Seaside Particular.
She additionally turned her hand to performing on stage and display screen. On TV, she co-presented The Huge Prime, a spread present on RTÉ.
Nonetheless, her most memorable second got here as a member of the woman group Sheeba with bandmates Maxi and Frances Campbell.
The trio represented Eire within the 1981 Eurovision Tune Contest, with their music Horoscopes coming in a good fifth place. The winner that yr was the UK’s Bucks Fizz.
Her niece recalled how her singing opened doorways for Marion, saying: “She made her personal profession from that. She did the Eurovision and 6 nationwide music contests.”
Sheeba, with Marion Fossett, misplaced out to Buck’s Fizz within the 1981 Eurovision (Picture: Getty)
Tributes flooded in as followers realized the unhappy information. One wrote on Fb: “RIP Marion Fossett from Sheeba. Honest condolences to the Fossett household and pals.”
One other added: “I grew up with the Fossett’s Circus and had the pleasure of taking my youngsters to your wonderful circus in Limerick final Christmas.
“Marion was part of my childhood, and I am so fortunate my youngsters bought to expertise the wonderful Marion. My deepest condolences to all who cherished and can mourn the passing of the irreplaceable Marion. Relaxation in everlasting peace.”
A 3rd stated: “Completely heartbroken on the lack of such an icon for everybody rising up in Eire. Her poise and charm will endlessly be embedded in our nation’s reminiscences.”
A fourth commented: “Very unhappy to listen to of the passing of Marion Fossett. Labored along with her when she was in Sheeba on a Christmas present within the late 80s in The Embankment, Tallaght. Could she relaxation in peace.”
One other recalled: “That is such a shock and unhappy information to learn. The final time I noticed Marion was in 1980. I labored along with her on a TV sequence for RTE, That’s Showbiz, with Brendan Grace.
“Marion was a part of the fabulous group Sheeba. They have been so glamorous and gifted. I cherished watching them. I’ll at all times keep in mind Marion’s down-to-earth, larger-than-life, sort nature.
“I’m so unhappy to study this information. My deepest sympathies and condolences to all her household relaxation her pricey soul.”
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