Des O’Connor, British TV star, dies at 88

Des O’Connor, an English comedian, singer and television presenter, has passed on — a week after a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire.

According to BBC, Pat Lake-Smith, his friend and agent, who broke the news, said he breathed his last on Saturday.

Lake-Smith said the deceased, who was hospitalised a week ago, passed away after his condition deteriorated.

“It is with great sorrow that I confirm that Des O’Connor passed away yesterday. He had been admitted to hospital just over a week ago, following a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire,” the agent said in a statement.

“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.”

O’Connor, 88, was born in Stepney, East London, to Maude and Harry O’Connor. He was known for his decade-long prime-time TV career, including shows like ‘Today With Des And Mel’ as well as ‘Des O’Connor Tonight’.

He is survived by Jodie, his wife, one son and four daughters.

In his tribute, Lake-Smith added: “Des 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.

“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.”