Des O'Connor has died aged 88.
Des O'Connor
The former 'Countdown' host passed away on Saturday (14.11.20) after suffering a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire earlier this month.
In a statement, Des's agent said: "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. 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."
The veteran star presented a host of TV programmes during his career - including 'The Des O'Connor Show' and 'Today with Des and Mel' alongside Melanie Sykes - while he also recorded 36 albums and had a number of top-ten singles as a singer.
The popular comedian - who hosted 'Countdown' for two years - is survived by his wife Jodie, their son Adam and his four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina.
His agent said: "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."