Legendary TV personality Des O’Connor has died aged 88, his agent has confirmed.
Following a fall at his Buckinghamshire home, O’Connor was admitted to hospital last week, and had been “recovering well” in the days before his death.
Sadly, the veteran entertainer died “peacefully” in his sleep on Saturday, November 14.
The former Countdown presenter was an icon of British television, entertaining the nation over the course of six decades on the screen.
In a statement, his agent said: “It is with great sorrow that I confirm that Des O’Connor passed away yesterday.”
Legendary TV personality Des O’Connor has died aged 88 (Image: Getty Images)
Confirming O’Connor had spent time with his family prior to his death, the statement continued: “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. He is survived by his wife Jodie, their son Adam and his four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina.”
The comedian and singer’s career spanned over six decades (Image: Mirrorpix)
It continued: “Jodie’s world is shattered, she and Adam and Des’s daughters are hurting more than you could possibly imagine.
“Des was the ultimate entertainer. He loved being on stage – entertaining a live audience. He always said the sound of laughter was like the sound of heavenly music. He had a fabulous international TV career, presenting his own prime-time TV shows for over 45 years. On stage he starred at almost every leading venue throughout the world.”
Born in East London, O’Connor started off his career as a professional footballer at Northampton Town FC, as well as training with the Royal Air Force during WWII.
The singer had a number one hit with his song I Pretend in the 60s (Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)
Having cut his teeth on the variety circuit, his TV break came in the late 50s when he was chosen to host ITV’s gameshow Spot The Tune, which had been modelled on a US series of a similar name.
Proving a hit with viewers, 1963 saw the launch of his namesake variety show, The Des O’Connor Show, which was a staple on Saturday night television.
His chat show series, Des O’Connor tonight, ran for several decades on both BBC and ITV, alternating between star-studded interviews and variety perfomances.
Alongside his presenting career, O’Connor was an acclaimed singer, with his song I Pretend reaching number one in the charts in the 60s.
Over the course of his career, he recorded a sensational 36 albums, earning an international fanbase.
The early noughties saw O’Connor host ITV daytime show Today With Des and Mel alongside Melanie Sykes, interviewing celebrity guests and giving phone-in competitions a platform.
The veteran comic was the beloved host of The Des O’Connor Tonight Show (Image: Redferns)
Upon hearing news of O’Connor’s death, Mel shared a tribute to his legacy, saying she would “never forget him” as she looked back at their professional history together.
She said: “Des had the softest hands of anyone I ever met and the kindest of hearts.
“He had talent in every fibre of his being and was stubborn as a mule. He was the full ticket as a friend and colleague. When he chose me to be his co host on the ‘Today’ daytime show it was one the greatest days of my professional life. It was an education and a privilege to work with him for the years that followed.”
In 2007, the presenter replaced Des Lynam as the host of Countdown, joining Carol Vorderman on the show before quitting the following year.
Married four times, the veteran entertainer is survived by wife Jodie Brooke Wilson, whom he met while presenting the 90s gameshow Take Your Pick, and his five beloved children.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
