The world of entertainment was rocked today by news of the death of legendary TV presenter Des O’Connor who died in his sleep aged 88.
The former Countdown presenter enjoyed a successful career which spanned six decades as a prime-time TV show presenter.
A hit with viewers nationwide, Des also enjoyed a busy love life, marrying four times and raising five children.
The singer met his first wife Phyllis Gill at a Butlins holiday camp when he worked as a Redcoat, with the pair tying the knot in the 50s.
Des and Phyllis had a daughter named Karen, but the romance did not last and they divorced.
Des and his first wife Phyllis Gill (Image: Getty Images)
Next, Des met Gillian Vaughan in 1960 and the sweethearts welcomed two daughters together – Tracey Jane and Samantha.
Des and Gillian enjoyed 22 years together before they got divorced.
When Des was in his early 50s, he wed 24-year-old model Jay Rufer.
Des welcomed a fourth daughter, Kristina, in his marriage with Jay but their relationship lasted less than five years, MailOnline reported.
Des O’Connor and wife Jay Rufer welcomed one daughter together (Image: WireImage)
He wed his last wife Jodie Brooke Wilson in 2007 in a chapel at Highclere Castle in Berkshire.
Des reportedly met the Australian singer in 1990 when they appeared in the panto together.
The presenter is survived by Jodie, their son Adam and his four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina.
Des wed his last wife Jodie Brooke Wilson in 2007 (Image: Press Association)
Sharing the family’s grief in the wake of Des’ death, his agent said: “Jodie’s world is shattered, she and Adam and Des’s daughters are hurting more than you could possibly imagine.”
Des was close pals with legendary Welsh singer Dame Shirley Bassey and previously revealed he once took her on a date.
He said: “I took her out on one date. I took her on a boat rowing on a lake in Leeds and then I took her to see a film.”
The veteran entertainer added he also took her to a concert and escorted her back to her hotel room, gave her a peck on the cheek before he left.
O’Connor’s agent revealed the star’s death in a statement.
Des met his second wife Gillian Vaughan in 1960 (Image: Daily Mirror)
He said: “It is with great sorrow that I confirm that Des O’Connor passed away yesterday (Saturday 14 November).
“He had been admitted to hospital just over a week ago, following a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire. He was recovering well and had been in great spirits, visited by his family – in accordance with hospital lockdown regulations – and looking forward to going home.
“Unfortunately yesterday evening his condition suddenly deteriorated and he drifted peacefully away in his sleep.
“Des, who was 88, was so well loved by absolutely everyone. He was a joy to work with – he was talented, fun, positive, enthusiastic, kind and a total professional.
“He loved life, and considered enthusiasm almost as important as oxygen. He adored his family – they were everything to him.”
Des recorded a jaw-dropping 36 albums as a singer and had his own variety show, which was known as The Des O Connor Show.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
