Eurovision Song Contest icon Marion Fossett, who represented Ireland in the annual event in 1981 as one third of Sheeba, died in hospital on Friday, aged 71. The star, who was also the ringmistress of the legendary Fossett's Circus, had been ill for some time.

Her family confirmed the news in a statement on social media, writing: "It's with great sadness, we the Fossett family would like to share the news of the passing of our beloved Marion Fossett. She was a shining star in our lives and we are heartbroken by her loss."

Marion made her debut in the ring of the family-run Fossett’s Circus, which has been touring since the late 1880s, at just 18 months old in a basket on an elephant.

Throughout the years, she mastered a wide range of performance skills and became known as an accomplished aerialist, contortionist and sword balancer.

Speaking about her love of the circus, she once said: "You can shake the sawdust from your feet, but you never shake it from your blood."

Unusually though, she also found mainstream fame away from the circus as an actress, singer and TV presenter.

A spell living in London led to success at the main cabaret venues, and she featured on many prime-time Saturday night television programmes, including Seaside Special.

She also turned her hand to acting on stage and screen. On TV, she co-presented The Big Top, a variety show on RTÉ.

However, her most memorable moment came as a member of the girl group Sheeba with bandmates Maxi and Frances Campbell.

The trio represented Ireland in the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest, with their song Horoscopes coming in a respectable fifth place. The winner that year was the UK's Bucks Fizz.

Her niece recalled how her singing opened doors for Marion, saying: "She made her own career from that. She did the Eurovision and six national song contests."

Tributes flooded in as fans learned the sad news. One wrote on Facebook: "RIP Marion Fossett from Sheeba. Sincere condolences to the Fossett family and friends."

Another added: "I grew up with the Fossett's Circus and had the pleasure of taking my kids to your amazing circus in Limerick last Christmas.

"Marion was a part of my childhood, and I'm so lucky my kids got to experience the amazing Marion. My deepest condolences to all who loved and will mourn the passing of the irreplaceable Marion. Rest in eternal peace."

A third said: "Absolutely heartbroken at the loss of such an icon for everyone growing up in Ireland. Her poise and grace will forever be embedded in our nation's memories."

A fourth commented: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Marion Fossett. Worked with her when she was in Sheeba on a Christmas show in the late 80s in The Embankment, Tallaght. May she rest in peace."

Another recalled: "This is such a shock and sad news to read. The last time I saw Marion was in 1980. I worked with her on a TV series for RTE, That’s Showbiz, with Brendan Grace.

"Marion was part of the fabulous group Sheeba. They were so glamorous and talented. I loved watching them. I’ll always remember Marion’s down-to-earth, larger-than-life, kind nature.

"I am so sad to learn this news. My deepest sympathies and condolences to all her family rest her dear soul."