Des O’Connor death: Carol Vorderman leads tributes to TV legend and Countdown co-star

The pair presented the game show together

Carol Vorderman, Piers Morgan and Gary Lineker are among those to pay tribute to Des O’Connor, who has died aged 88.

The former <i>Countdown</i> host died on Saturday (14 November) after a fall at his home.  

“It is with great sorrow that I confirm that Des O'Connor passed away," his agent announced in a statement.

“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.”

The agent added that the TV star’s condition “suddenly deteriorated and he drifted peacefully away in his sleep”.

Tributes have been flooding in for the comedian, singer and TV host, with his Countdown co-star Vorderman tweeting: “RIP Des O'Connor. So sad this morning to hear that darling Des has passed away. 

"He was the host of Countdown for a couple of years and was a joy to work with. Lively, funny,  he ALWAYS wanted to entertain people.  I will remember him most tho for his brilliant chat shows...”

She added: “In the days when families would gather round the telly to watch , Des O'Connor was the King. We'd cry laughing when Freddie Starr would pretend to be behaving and things would go badly wrong. Des will surely be entertaining the angels now. Rest In Peace & Laughter my friend.”

The pair starred on the game show together for two years from 2007.

Piers Morgan also remembered the star, writing: “RIP Des O’Connor, 88. A wondrously talented, warm, funny, charming man. Truly one of the nicest people in showbiz. What very sad news. Thanks for all the fun, Des.”

Gary Lineker added: “Saddened to hear that Des O’Connor has passed away. Truly lovely man and one of the great old school entertainers. #RIPDes.”

O’Connor is survived by his wife Jodie, their son Adam as well as his four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina.