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
Entertainer Des O’Connor has died at the age of 88, his agent has said.
His agent said in a statement: ‘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.
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
‘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.’
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