Des O’Connor dead: Tributes paid to ‘ultimate entertainer’ after death aged 88

Entertainer Des O’Connor has died at the age of 88.

The TV star, who is best remembered as the former host of Countdown and Take Your Pick, passed away peacefully in his sleep after a fall at his home.

In a statement released on Sunday, O’Connor’s longime agent and friend Pat Lake-Smith: “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.”

She continued: “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.”

O’Connor presented his own prime-time TV shows for over 45 years.

He was known for shows like Today With Des And Mel and Des O’Connor Tonight.

His co-host Melanie Sykes said it was an “education and a privilege to work" alongside the television great.

She wrote on Instagram: “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.

“We worked long hours but always laughed lots, not least because when it it was showtime he would always tell me I looked like robbers dog! These years I will never forget and nor will I forget him. Darling Des you will be forever missed. Melanie x”.

Tributes have poured from across the entertainment industry since news of his death emerged.

Labour Party deputy leader Angela Rayner was among the first to tweet her condolences to O’Connor’s loved-ones, writing: “So sorry to hear of the death of entertainer, comedian and all round lovely man Des O’Connor.

"Des was the entertainer l saw most on telly when l was a kid growing up, l send my deepest condolences to the Family and Friends of Des. R.I.P.”

TV star Kate Robbins said Des O’Connor was a “true pro and a gorgeous person”.

She tweeted: “I’m so sad to hear that the wonderful Des O’Connor has died. He was a true pro and a gorgeous person.

"My love to Jodie and all his family at this sad time. Rest in peace Des. You are sorely missed already #RipDesOConnor”.

Call The Midwife star Stephen McGann commented that the small screen legend “never took himself too seriously.”

He added: "That generation of variety stars are slowly slipping away”.

Comedian David Baddiel agreed, writing: “RIP Des O’ Connor. It’s worth remembering how brilliant he is at his own expense,” and posting a link to some of O’Connor’s old sketches.

Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness said O’Connor’s ability to laugh at himself was “part of his charm”

He tweeted: “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. RIP Des O’Connor”.

Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan hailed him “one of the nicest people in showbiz”.

He tweeted: "RIP Des O’Connor, 88. A wondrously talented, warm, funny, charming man. Truly one of the nicest people in showbiz.

“What very sad news. Thanks for all the fun, Des.”

O’Connor launched his showbiz career in the mid-1950s and first began fronting his own TV show in 1963.

The four-times married star has appeared on stages around the world including hundreds of shows at the London Palladium.

He had his own US TV programme and his eponymous chat show was a British television staple for a quarter of a century.

He also hosted the Channel 4 quiz show Countdown with Carol Vorderman, with the pair bowing out together in 2008.

She tweeted that her former colleague was “surely entertaining the angels now”, adding: “RIP Des O’Connor. 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.

“Rest In Peace & Laughter my friend.”

Aged 75 in 2007, he married singer-songwriter Jodie Brooke Wilson, then 38, four years after he first proposed and 17 years after they first got together.

They had a son three years before the wedding.

He had four daughters from his three previous marriages.

His singing career saw him sell 16 million records and spend 117 weeks in top 10 of the charts.

O’Connor was made a CBE for his services to entertainment and broadcasting.