Des O'Connor, English comedian, singer, and television host
Desmond O'Connor: A British Entertainment Icon
Desmond Bernard O'Connor, born on 12 January 1932, was a quintessential English entertainer who left an indelible mark across multiple facets of the British media landscape. Known affectionately by millions simply as Des O'Connor, he seamlessly transitioned between successful careers as a comedian, a chart-topping singer, and an engaging television presenter. His career spanned decades, showcasing remarkable versatility and enduring appeal to audiences until his passing on 14 November 2020.
A Distinguished Career in Television
O'Connor became a household name primarily through his extensive work as a television chat-show host and game show presenter. His journey in TV began notably with the variety and chat series:
- The Des O'Connor Show
- which first aired in 1963 on ITV. This prime-time programme quickly became a staple of British television, running successfully for a remarkable ten years. It allowed O'Connor to demonstrate his unique blend of warmth, humour, and musical talent, often featuring celebrity interviews, musical performances, and light entertainment segments.
Beyond the chat show format, O'Connor also proved to be a highly adept and popular host of numerous UK television game shows. His ability to connect with contestants and viewers alike made him a natural fit for this genre. Notable among these were:
- Take Your Pick (1992-1999): O'Connor successfully revived this classic ITV daytime game show, originally hosted by Michael Miles, for a new generation of viewers. He brought his signature charm and wit to the popular format, where contestants answered questions to win prizes or risk it all for "the money or the box."
- Countdown (2007-2008): In a significant career move, O'Connor took the helm of Channel 4's much-loved and long-running intellectual game show, succeeding the revered Richard Whiteley and the brief tenure of other hosts. His two-year stint on Countdown showcased his versatility, proving he could engage with a different kind of audience and format, mastering the intricacies of numbers and letters rounds alongside the show's co-presenter Carol Vorderman.
Was Des O'Connor a successful singer?
Absolutely. While his comedic and presenting roles often garnered significant attention, Desmond O'Connor was also an extraordinarily successful recording artist. He released an impressive 36 albums throughout his career, a testament to his dedication to music and his melodic singing voice, typically in the easy-listening and ballad genres. His musical achievements include four top-ten singles in the UK, a remarkable feat for any artist.
His most notable musical triumph came with the track "I Pretend," which soared to the number-one spot on the UK singles chart, solidifying his status as a bona fide singing star. Globally, his record sales surpassed an astounding sixteen million, underscoring his widespread international appeal and the depth of his musical talent.
The Morecambe & Wise Connection: A Test of Humour
Desmond O'Connor's career was also famously intertwined with the legendary British comedy duo Morecambe and Wise. Far from being a mere acquaintance, O'Connor enjoyed a genuine friendship with Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. Their iconic sketch comedy show, The Morecambe and Wise Show, a cornerstone of British television, often featured a running gag at O'Connor's expense.
Despite his undeniable success as a singer, Morecambe and Wise would light-heartedly, but consistently, mock his vocal abilities, playfully suggesting he lacked singing talent. O'Connor, known for his good sportsmanship and self-deprecating humour, was always a willing participant in these beloved sketches. He embraced the comedic jabs, often appearing on their show to play along with the mockery, further endearing him to the British public. This playful dynamic highlighted not only O'Connor's graciousness but also the strong bond and mutual respect he shared with two of the UK's most cherished comedians.