Des O’Connor has died at the age of 88 after a decade-spanning career as an all-round entertainer.
The comedian and presenter was a regular in prime-time television slots, from the Morecambe and Wise Christmas specials to Channel 4 quiz Countdown.
He also had his own chat show and a string of singles with four top 10 hits and more than 30 albums. His stage work included hundreds of performances at the London Palladium.
Comedians Ernie Wise and Eric Morecambe promote their 1979 Christmas show with their guests including David Frost, Glenda Jackson and Des O’Connor (PA)
Des O’Connor with Eric Morecambe, in the Wellington Hospital, London in 1978 (PA)
Des O’Connor with Doreen Wise (left) and Joan Morecambe, widows of the comedians Ernie Wise and Eric Morecambe (PA)
With his wife Gillian and children Tracy-Jane, six, and Samantha, four, at Heathrow Airport in 1968 (PA)
Receiving a CBE for services to entertainment and broadcasting from the Queen in 2008 (PA)
Des O’Connor worked with Melanie Sykes on an afternoon ITV show (ITV/PA)
Des O’Connor with, from left, Tommy Steele, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jimmy Tarbuck and Sir Cliff Richard revealing the Wall of Fame at the London Palladium in 2018 (PA)
