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Des O’Connor, a well-rounded artist who was a household name throughout the decades, died aged 88 at his home in Buckinghamshire.
Comedian, chat show host, and singer, he had the ability to connect with his audience and television guests alike, enchanting generations.
How news of his death came to the nation, tributes came from artists, politicians and stars of the spots.
Des O’Connor and Jimmy Tarbuck outside the London Palladium in 2018
His friend and fellow comedian Jimmy Tarbuck called him a “national hero.”
Speaking to the PA news agency, the 80-year-old artist said: “Cilla Black was a national hero. The Beatles are national heroes and Des O’Connor was.”
O’Connor and Tarbuck performed together at the London Palladium in 2015 and toured the country the following year. They worked together again in 2019.
Tarbuck continued: “It was great … he was fragile and he took it easy, but he was great. He had the audience cheering at the end and it was a pleasure working with him.”
“He was very generous in sharing the laughs and not all comedians are like that.
“And he was a giggler. You could make him giggle … It was a pleasure to get in the car and go to work, knowing he was working with Des O’Connor.”
The couple spoke just 10 days ago, before O’Connor suffered a fall at his home.
Tarbuck said they even suggested another gig: “I said, ‘Let’s do another Palladium (after the pandemic), and he said,’ That attracts, it’s a great idea. I’ll see if I can do it. ‘
Russ Abbot fondly remembered O’Connor’s goofy laugh
Another veteran comedian from the 1970s and 1980s, Russ Abbot called O’Connor’s death “a great loss to the industry,” and also commented on his tendency to laugh.
In a statement to PA, he said: “I was privileged to be on his show many times and he was a wonderful and generous host, always wanting his guests to shine.”
“He really was the best entertainer but, even more, he was a completely nice man. No buts or buts. He always had a smile on his face and his laugh was legendary!
“We will miss him deeply. My thoughts are with Jodie and her family.”
Tommy Cannon (R) lost comedy partner Bobby Ball last month
Tommy Cannon, who Lost comedy partner Bobby Ball last month, said she had fond memories of appearing on The Des O’Connor show.
He told PA that O’Connor left “a legacy of good family entertainment”: “I’ll always remember him as, if you like him … as a best friend.”
“You know every time you went and did his show, that was Des, he was. He was a lovely man and all I can say is rest in peace, buddy, because both Bobby and I love you.”
Melanie Sykes, whom O’Connor chose to co-host the daytime television show Today With Des And Mel alongside him, topped the tributes on social media.
She said working with him was one of the highlights of her career, tweeting: “Des had the softest hands I have ever met and the kindest heart. He was talented in every fiber 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 show, it was one of the best days of my professional life. It was an education and a privilege to work with him for the years that followed.
“We work long hours but we always laugh a lot, especially because when show time came around, he would always tell me that he looked like a thieving dog! These years I will never forget or forget him. Dear Des, we will miss you forever.”
The Countdown colleagues also shone in their tributes.
Calling him “Darling Des”, Carol Vorderman wrote: “In the days when families gathered around TV to watch, Des O’Connor was king. We cried with laughter when Freddie Starr pretended to be good and things went very wrong. .
“Des will surely be entertaining the angels now. Rest in peace and laugh, my friend.”
Dictionary corner expert Susie Dent tweeted: “We have lost a true gentleman, one who was never more than a note from a song or a laugh, and who never stopped saying ‘pee, bum and socks.’ if any of us smoothed out a line. Countdown audiences loved him, and so did we. Keep singing, Des. “
Jonathan Ross said O’Connor influenced his decision to become a chat show host, tweeting: “RIP Des O’Connor. It was a great all-rounder show and his support and love for comedy talent me He inspired. He will be missed. “
Top Gear host Paddy McGuinness tweeted: “What 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 breaking his studio setup, Des always laughed. Another part of my childhood television disappeared. RIP Des O’Connor.”
Comedian Paul Chuckle, currently self-isolating, tweeted: “RIP the brilliant Des O’Connor. From Butlins Redcoat to one of the best comedians AND singers in the business, and such a lovely guy. Sleep peacefully my friend.” .
Singer Kim Wilde, who performed alongside O’Connor, tweeted: “Great memories of singing Something Stupid with Des O’Connor. Thanks for the memories, dear man.”
X Factor star Olly Murs wrote: “Very sad news to hear that Des O’Connor has passed away, being on his show in 2012 was the highlight after watching him all my childhood. A TV icon! , a gentleman and one of the best! Rest in peace Des x. “
Singer and actress Sophie Evans, who starred alongside him in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium in 2012, tweeted: “I had the absolute pleasure of working with Des O’Connor on The Wizard of Oz.
“He was a perfect gentleman, with a twinkle in his eye and that old school working mentality. He did 8 shows a week for 3 months and didn’t show at 80 years old. I loved Des. What a legend.”
Sportscaster Gary Lineker paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “It saddens me to hear that Des O’Connor has passed away. A truly charming man and one of the great artists of the old school.”
Northampton Town Football Club also paid tribute to O’Connor, who played for their reserve team in the 1940s.
A post on the club’s official Twitter page read: “We are very sorry to hear of Des O’Connor’s passing. Des played for our reserve team on a few occasions right after WWII. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew. Des. “
The political world even took a moment to pay tribute, with Labor Party Vice Leader Angela Rayner tweeting: “I am so sorry to hear of the death of the artist, comedian and charming man Des O’Connor.
“Des was the entertainer I watched the most on TV as a child. I send my sincere condolences to Des’s family and friends. RIP”
O’Connor leaves behind his wife Jodie and their son Adam, and their four daughters from previous marriages: Karen, Tracy, Samantha and Kristina.
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