Entertainer Des O’Connor dies ‘peacefully’ in his sleep aged 88 after he was admitted to hospital a week ago following a fall at his home
Des O’Connor has died at the age of 88, his agent has said.
The entertainer had been admitted to hospital just over a week ago following a fall at his Buckinghamshire home but was recovering and in ‘great spirits’ and visited by his family in accordance with hospital lockdown regulations.
Des had been ‘looking forward to going home’ but his condition ‘suddenly deteriorated’ and he ‘drifted peacefully away in his sleep’ last night, his agent said.
Paying tribute through a statement, the agent added: ‘Des, who was 88, was so well loved by absolutely everyone.
Success: Des has had a successful career as a presenter with his hosting credits including Countdown, Today with Des and Mel and Des O’Connor Tonight (pictured in 1968)
Legends: The presenter pictured with his former co-host Melanie Sykes in 2003 after winning a Royal Television Society Programme Award for their show Today With Des and Mel
‘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.’