'Talented, fun, positive, enthusiastic, kind and a total professional'

Tributes have been paid to Des O’Connor, ‘the ultimate entertainer’ after he died at the age of 88 following a fall at his home.

The  singer, TV host  - and butt of so many of Morcambe and Wise’s jokes - died on Saturday, his agent said. 

Pat Lake-Smith said in a statement: ‘It is with great sorrow that I confirm that Des O’Connor passed away yesterday. 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. He is survived by his wife, Jodie, their son, Adam, and his four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina.

‘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.’

Among those paying tribute were  Gyles Brandreth, who  wrote" ‘Des O’Connor was such a nice, nice man. The ultimate professional, an impeccable entertainer, skilful, stylish, self-deprecating, fun to be with, lovely to know. One of the best. RIP Des – a privilege & a real pleasure to have known you. Thanks for the fun.’

Julian Clary tweeted: ‘ Always loved Des O'Connor. Cheerful and kind man. RIP Des.’

Carol Vorderman, who worked wioth him on Countdown, said: ‘So sad this morning to hear that darling Des has passed away. He was the host of Countdown for a couple of years and was a joy to work with.  Lively, funny,  he ALWAYS wanted to entertain people.  I will remember him most tho for his brilliant chat shows…

‘In the days when families would gather round the telly to watch , Des O'Connor was the King.  We'd cry laughing when Freddie Starr would pretend to be behaving and things would go badly wrong.  Des will surely be entertaining the angels now.’

And Paddy McGuinness said: 'Such sad news. Des O’Connor was never afraid to laugh at himself and that was part of his charm. Whether it was Eric Morecambe ridiculing him, or Freddie Starr smashing his studio set up, Des always laughed along. Another part of my childhood telly viewing gone.'

O'Connor was born in Stepney, East London, and after completing his National Service in the RAF he started his showbusiness career as a redcoat at Butlins holiday camp in Filey.

He was a staple of British TV since landing his own ITV variety show in 1963, which ran for right series. 

His chat show, Des O’Connor Tonight ran for 24 series on BBC Two and ITV, and often gave comedians a TV break, with O’Connor acting the straight man to prompt their routines.

From 2002 to 2006 O'Connor co-hosted Today with Des and Mel opposite Melanie Sykes before joining Countdown from 2007 to 2008. 

He also hosted the 1990s game show Take Your Pick, twice compèred the Royal Variety Performance and was appointed a CBE in the 2008 Birthday Honours.

Published: 15 Nov 2020