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Comedian Des O’Connor died “peacefully” in his sleep yesterday at the age of 88, his agent confirmed.
The entertainer began his illustrious career on the stage, appearing in clubs across the country, before making his way to his own television show.
His extensive work on our screens spanned seven decades, starting with The Des O’Connor Show in 1963, a variety show that quickly made him a household name.
Other popular shows followed including Des O’Connor Entertains, Des O’Connor Tonight, Take Your Pick and Today with Des and Mel, the latter a daytime hit for Channel 4 co-hosted by Melanie Sykes.
Most recently, he served as a host on the iconic game show Countdown for two years until 2008, when he handed the reins to Jeff Stelling.
“It was a joy to work with,” said his agent. “He was talented, funny, 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. “
Though best known for his television work, O’Connor has also enjoyed a successful music career, working alongside greats such as Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and Shirley Bassey, as well as scoring a number one single in 1968 with I Pretend. .
In 2012, ITV celebrated the entertainer’s 80th birthday with a special program called The One and Only Des O’Connor, which featured several guests including his friend Paul O’Grady, comedian Matt Lucas and singer Olly Murs.
O’Connor held minor roles in the following years, not re-hosting his primetime show, but making several guest appearances on another popular show, including I’ll Lie to You? and Harry Hill’s Alien Fun Capsule.
His agent added: “He is left with his wife Jodie, son Adam and his four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina. Jodie’s world is shattered, she and Adam and Des’s daughters are suffering more than you can imagine.
“Des was the ultimate entertainer. He loved being on stage, entertaining a live audience. He always said that the sound of laughter was like the sound of heavenly music.
“He has had a fabulous international television career, presenting his prime time television shows for over 45 years. On stage he acted in almost all the main places in the world “.
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