UK comedian Jethro has died at the age of 73 after contracting Covid-19, it has been announced.

The popular Cornish comedian Geoffrey Rowe, who was usually known by his stage name, had a story or two to tell about one of his stays in Bournemouth.

Born the son of a farmer in St Buryan in 1948, Jethro left school to work as a carpenter and, after his apprenticeship, went to work in a Cornish tin mine.

Then, at the age of 18, after much persuasion, he was talked into joining the St Just & District Operatic Society. Blessed with a bass voice that should have been shared between three men and a natural talent for making his audience laugh, there was standing room only at Jethro's shows within six months of him becoming an entertainer.

READ MORE: Jethro dies after catching Covid as fans rush to pay tribute >>>

Soon after those days of singing songs in the pubs of deepest Cornwall, Jethro went on to become one of the most popular comedians on the live circuit in Britain.

Bournemouth Echo:

Over the years, Jethro made a record nine appearances on the Des O'Connor Show, appeared on Jim Davidson's Generation Game five times - twice to make a Cornish pasty - and hosted two regional shows of his own.

In December 2001, he was also invited to appear in the Royal Variety Show in front of the Queen.

Jethro visited Dorset many times to deliver his blend of unique stand-up and singing over the years. He even mentioned a stay in Bournemouth in one of his routines, as can be seen in the video above.