Des O’Connor symbolised golden age of family entertainment - The Yorkshire Post says

THEY don’t make entertainers like Des O’Connor any more. All-rounders of family appeal who attracted huge audiences on prime-time television for decade after decade are, regrettably, of the past.
By YP Comment
Published 16th Nov 2020, 11:45 BST
Des O'Connor (centre) with Eric Morecambe (left) and Ernie Wise (right). Picture: PA Archive/PA WireDes O'Connor (centre) with Eric Morecambe (left) and Ernie Wise (right). Picture: PA Archive/PA Wire
Des O'Connor (centre) with Eric Morecambe (left) and Ernie Wise (right). Picture: PA Archive/PA Wire

Many will have been saddened by the news of Des’s passing at the age of 88.

His was a classic showbusiness rags-to-riches story that took him from a poor background to fame, via learning his trade as a redcoat at the Butlins holiday camp in Filey, to sell-out seasons at the London Palladium.

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He never took himself too seriously, and it’s a measure of his good humour that he happily settled for being the butt of Morecambe and Wise’s jokes at his expense.

Des laughed more uproariously than anyone, and that’s one of the reasons he will be so fondly remembered.

He was emblematic of a golden age of family entertainment, and that’s a legacy Des would have been proud of.

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Related topics:Yorkshire PostFileyMorecambe and WiseYorkshire

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