Des O'Connor dies in hospital aged 88 following fall in his home, his agent confirms

Des O'Connor with his long-time co-host Mel Sykes

The presenter, comedian and singer hosted a number of chat-shows over his long career, including The Des O'Connor Show and Today with Des and Mel.

His agent and family friend Pat Lake-Smith confirmed in a statement that the much-loved entertainer died on November 14 in hospital.

She said: "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.

“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.”

O’Connor presented his own prime-time TV shows for over 45 years, as well having four top-ten singles including a number one with 'I Pretend'.

He worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment business including Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and Shirley Bassey, and was entertaining as recently as 2017, when he toured the UK with a one-man show.