‘National hero’ O’connor dies at 88 after fall
Des O'connor – the "ultimate entertainer" – has died at the age of 88, days after he suffered a fall at his home.
The TV star, who appeared in shows such as Today With Des And Mel and Des O'connor Tonight, died in hospital on Saturday.
His friend and fellow comic Jimmy Tar buck said the much-loved star was a "national hero” and had been talking about a return to the stage just before his accident.
His agent and family friend Pat Lake-smith said: "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."
O' Connor presented own prime-time TV shows for over 45 years and also hosted Countdown. During his singing career he sold 16 million records.
The four-times married star appeared on stage around the world, including hundreds of shows at the London Palladium.
He had his own US TV programme and Des O'connor Tonight was a British television staple for a quarter of a century. He was also known for appearing in game shows Take Your Pick and Pot Of Gold.
Mr Tar buck, who worked with O'connor on stage last year, said: "He is one of the few people in showbusiness who become national heroes. Cilla Black was a national hero. The Beatles are national heroes and Des O'connor was one."
The pair worked together on stage just last year. "He was terrific... He was frail and he took it easy, but he was terrific. He had the audience cheering at the end and was a pleasure to work with.
"He was very generous in sharing the laughs and not all comedians are like that.
"He was a giggler. You could get him giggling. It was a pleasure to get in the car and go to work, knowing I was working with Des O'connor."
The pair spoke just 10 days ago, he said, just before O' Connor had a fall a this home.
"I said, 'Let's do another Palladi um[ after the pan d emic] and he said, 'That appeals, that's a great idea. I'll see if I can do it'."
At 72, the chat show host became a father again with his fiancee Jodie Brooke Wilson.
The couple later married, when he was 75 and she was 38.
He had four daughters from his three previous marriages.
Melanie Sykes, who fronted Today With Des And Mel alongside O'connor, said it was an "education and a privilege to work with him".
She wrote on Ins tag ram: "D es had the soft est 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.”
Comedian Tommy Cannon, 82, said he will "always remember him... like a best pal".
O'connor was made a CBE in 2008 for his services to entertainment and broadcasting.