MX23RW : Thursday, April 25 04:02:39| >> :600:87193842:87193842:

Veteran entertainer Tom O'Connor dies, aged 81

Veteran entertainer Tom O'Connor dies, aged 81
Name That Tune and Crosswits host Tom O'Connor dies at the age of 81.

Tom O'Connor, host of quiz shows including Name That Tune and Crosswits, has died at the age of 81.

The comedian - a familiar face on TV through the '80s and '90s - was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 14 years ago and died in hospital on Sunday surrounded by family.

O'Connor's daughter-in-law, former Olympic athlete Denise Lewis, said: "His whole mantra was about making people laugh.

"If you met him that's all he wanted to do, which is make you feel good about yourself, which is a cherished quality which we don't probably see enough of today.

"He lived with Parkinson's for about 14 years and we saw him coping very well and in the latter couple of years, it really started to take a hold and it's tragic.

"But without a doubt, Tom always tried to make light of it and even at the end, when he lost his battle with the disease, you could see that spark in his eyes, that humour still coming through those eyes of his right to the end."

O'Connor is survived by his wife and four children.

ID:455923:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect1396:

Follow us on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.

Media Mole April Offer: Get Sky Entertainment, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £23 a month + £0 upfront fee for 18 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends 25th April 2024


Click here for more stories about Tom O'Connor

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Don't Rock The Boat hosts AJ Odudu and Freddie Flintoff
Read Next:
In Pictures: Meet the celebrity contestants on Don't Rock The Boat
>
rhs 2.0
New TV Picks header

Wednesday, April 24


Race Across the World: BBC One, 9pm
The teams enter the third leg - but the last pair to arrive at the next checkpoint will be eliminated

Coronation Street: ITV1, 8pm
Toyah opens up to Nick about a hidden trauma, while naughty Todd has a nose at George's will

A Very British Sex Scandal: The Earl & the Escort: Channel 5, 9pm
The intriguing tale of the the murder of Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury, and one of Britain's wealthiest men

Mayoral Debates: BBC One regions, 10.40pm
Local debates in select BBC One regions, including Tees Valley, South Yorkshire and the East Midlands