He is survived by his wife Jodie, their son Adam and his four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina. He was thought to be making a healthy recovery at Leeds General Infirmary. He released 36 albums, five of which reached the Top 40 on the albums chart. Des O'Connor, beloved comedian and presenter, has died at the age of 88, his agent has confirmed. He also hosted the BBC Two nightly highlights show for the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa through June and July. "Des was the ultimate Entertainer. Bill Tidy, the cartoonist who was known for his quick artistry on shows including Countdown and Countryfile, has died at the age of 89. This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Countdown presenters including Rachel Riley and Carol Vorderman have shared their heartbreak over the news that one of the shows iconic figures has died. I adored him and I always will.". "Des, who was 88, was so well loved by absolutely everyone. His departure from Fighting Talk was the result of a controversy after he joked on the programme about being able to "turn" Claire Balding. He loved life, and considered enthusiasm almost as important as oxygen. [17] The Friday slot was a weekend preview show, Kicking Off with Colin Murray,[16] while the Sunday show comprises six hours of live sports coverage. During the coronavirus pandemic, Colin co-hosted 5 live "Coronavirus Call-In's" on BBC Radio 5 with Dr. Chris Smith. "These years I will never forget and nor will I forget him. Des was the entertainer l saw most on telly when l was a kid growing up, l send my deepest condolences to the Family and Friends of Des. Marcel Stellman, creator of Channel 4's long-running gameshow Countdown, has died at the age of 96. The series was later bought by a fledgling Channel 4, becoming the first programme to be aired following its launch in November 1982, hosted by Richard Whiteley. [5] He was educated at the Regent House Grammar School in Newtownards, and later at Dundonald High School, leaving after GCSEs. Ballet princess! [4], Next, Murray joined BBC Radio 1 on 2 September 1999 to co-presented the weekly live music programme Session in Northern Ireland on BBC Radio 1, alongside BBC Radio Ulster presenter Donna Legge, broadcast only in Northern Ireland. Car finance with Flow Car -Configure multiple finance quotations in seconds - Manage your application entirely online - Finance a car without receiving unwanted sales calls - Get the best available rate Feed with access to over 380,000+ available vehicles nationwide for you to choose from. Anne Robinson has announced that she is leaving Countdown after just one year as host of the Channel 4 quiz show.. That generation of variety stars are slowly slipping away". Countdown is receiving a presenter shake-up later this year. If I am Mr Countdown, she is Mrs Countdown," he said. Instead, a series of guest presenters have hosted the show, [4][7] After Murray set it up and acted as co-publisher, Blank became the highest circulating music magazine in Ulster. He wrote on Twitter: "I idolised Sean as a comic long before I became a comedian myself and ten years working alongside him didnt diminish that in the least. Comedian Sean Lock, best known for panel shows 8 Out of 10 Cats and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, has died from cancer at the age of 58. [11] In October 2009 he published his first book, A Random History of Football, .mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit;word-wrap:break-word}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"\"""\"""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .citation:target{background-color:rgba(0,127,255,0.133)}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lock-green.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg")right 0.1em center/12px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:none;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;color:#d33}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{color:#d33}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#3a3;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}ISBN978-1-4091-1290-7, through Orion Publishing, a compendium of random and relatively unknown stories about football. Comedian Des O'Connor died 'peacefully' in his sleep aged 88 yesterday, his agent has confirmed. Countdown is receiving a presenter shake-up later this year. Judge Rinder and BBC Strictly Come Dancing Dan Walker will be joining Suzie Dent in dictionary corner. "Unfortunately yesterday evening his condition suddenly deteriorated and he drifted peacefully away in his sleep. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. A lovely man". You can unsubscribe at any time. [7] [14] He got five stars tattooed on his arm when Liverpool won the European Cup for the fifth time. [27] Murray expressed deep regret for the line and stated that he did not come up with it, but that it had been written on his autocue. [16] It began as a Saturday night show,[9] but later moved to Fridays. Awards with Edith Bowman. The countdown presenter faced a barrage of criticism on Twitter criticising her stance after weighing in on the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard libel trial. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. [7][14] He got five stars tattooed on his arm when Liverpool won the European Cup for the fifth time. Carr said on Twitter: Brutal news about Sean Lock today. Whitely never missed an episode in 23 years until he fell ill from pneumonia in May this year. Stay up to date with all the latest news from across Birmingham and your area with our daily newsletter. Invasion of the super rats: '300 million super-rodents' that survive off takeaway scraps and evade poisons Police fraud investigation into SNP 'probing whereabouts of 400,000 bequeathed in people's wills'. He had his own US TV programme and his chat show Des O'Connor Tonight was a British television staple for a quarter of a century. Their father, Nigerian-born Professor Chris Imafidon, believes the formula for their success is simple, but the UK education system has continued to get it wrong. Now it is time for an older woman to take the reins. The TV legend was born on January 12, 1932 in Stepney, East London but was evacuated to Northampton during the Second World War. Unscripted - The ITV News arts and entertainment podcast. on Watch, alongside host Duncan James. A year later, they became the youngest to pass it at A-level. The TV legends agent confirmed he died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, after suffering a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Paul O'Grady will be laid to rest today days after his released death certificate has confirmed the much-loved TV and radio presenter died of sudden cardiac Comedian Sean Lock, best known for panel shows 8 Out of 10 Cats and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, has died from cancer at the age of 58. Countdownwas him. FromAmir Khanto Janice Dickinson, Paul Burrell, and Shaun Ryder, all the iconic campmates are back, albeit in South Africa rather than Australia. The 61-year-old, from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, died yesterday, days after undergoing heart surgery. [32] Since then, Colin has disappointed fans by announcing his resignation. Channel 4 issued a statement expressing their sympathy. Born and raised in Dundonald, east of Belfast, Murray first trained and worked as a news journalist. This time around hostsAnt McPartlinand Declan Donnelly will put the celebs through their paces as they battle not only for food, but for survival. Never took himself too seriously, which I always liked. to mark the game shows 40th anniversary. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk. [10], By 2002, Murray's work in radio and television earned him an audition as one of six co-presenters of Channel 4's new national breakfast television show, RI:SE. He loved being on stage entertaining a live audience. 'If I am able to inspire just one more arithmetician or a mathematician by being my authentic self on screen then I am happy to be able to take up that space and show a different side of what arithmeticians can look like. The acts of sending email to this website or viewing information from this website do not create an attorney-client relationship. The TV presenter died days after undergoing heart surgery. Despite a popular and successful run with Talksport, Murray announced he would be leaving the station with his final show being on 2 September 2016. EastEnders in the 1980s. Leading Jewish organisation demands urgent meeting with The Guardian's editor after newspaper is engulfed by STEPHEN POLLARD: It's often the self-proclaimed anti-racists who are the foulest of the lot. 4 May 2021 Stephen Pover/Shutterstock Marcel Stellman and his wife Jean Marcel Stellman, creator of Channel 4's long-running gameshow Countdown, has died Northern Ireland: DUP vote up but remains behind Sinn Fin, opinion poll suggests, Vermin shoot in State-owned woods could not be stopped despite objections, documents say, Donald Trump to arrive in Scotland on trip that will take in Doonbeg property, Tom Hanks to speak at Dalkey Book Festival about release of debut novel, Workers urged to be strike-ready as unions gear up for pay-rise campaigns, New town north of Drogheda under way to cater for population of more than 21,000, Forget carrots, tomatoes, peppers: Here are the best vegetables to grow, McGrath set to propose ringfencing billions in corporation tax revenues, Students must hear alternative views which they disagree with, new UCD president says, This has been a game-changer for me: how a room in the garden can transform your family life, Pope urges people to be more accepting of migrants during visit to Hungary, Ammi Burke returns to High Court for hearing on unfair dismissal from law firm, PGMOL says Paul Tierney acted in a professional manner after Jurgen Klopp row, Prize bonds - could it be you? Published: 22:32 BST, 7 January 2022 | Updated: 01:55 BST, 8 January 2022. He had a fabulous international TV career, presenting his own prime-time TV shows for over 45 years. Please enable Javascript and reload the page. Des is survived by his wife Jodie, their son Adam and his four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina. It was an education and a privilege to work with him for the years that followed. Other popular programmes including Des O'Connor Entertains, Des O'Connor Tonight, Take Your Pick and Today with Des and Mel followed, the latter being a daytime hit for Channel 4 co-hosted by Melanie Sykes. Vorderman added Stellman had had "a great life well lived" and recalled "many very happy decades together". Comedian Des O'Connor died 'peacefully' in his sleep aged 88 yesterday, his agent has confirmed. Jodies world is shattered, she and Adam and Dess daughters are hurting more than you could possibly imagine. It began in September 2003 in the weekend late-morning slot, but from March 2004 it was moved to the weekday afternoon slot. The rest of the family is equally remarkable. Stellman's nephew wrote on Twitter: "It is with our deepest sorrow we share with you news of the death of our beloved Uncle - Marcel Stellman, 96, who passed away late last night. Click the answer to find similar crossword clues . [14], That year Murray left the Radio 1 Colin and Edith show to start The Colin Murray Show, a new music show on the same station beginning in September, showcasing new and alternative music in the Mondays-to-Thursdays 10pm midnight slot, with Bowman remaining in the lunchtime slot. "He was talented, fun, positive, enthusiastic, kind and a total professional. Tributes today flooded in to remember the legendary TV star and former host of Countdown. Jon Richardson, who has appeared in 8 Out of 10 Cats, said he "devastated" to lose his idol. Anne-Marie Imafidon, 31, has become the first black co-presenter on the Channel 4 show, standing in for Rachel Riley on maternity leave. After completing his National Service in the Royal Air Force, the host worked as a Redcoat at Butlins, which is where he met his first wife Phyllis. Melanie x.. And I stayed longer than I signed up for. Murray married Carly Paradis in 2012. [20] 'Countdown is an institution and I love maths,' she said. [4] Hyperactive since childhood, Murray was asked to leave the grammar school owing to what was perceived by teachers as a tendency to disruption always asking awkward questions or telling jokes traits he later identified as ideal for his future career in presenting, and which he felt should really have been nurtured by teachers. In 2008, he also began presenting The Late Show with Colin Murray, a once-a-week late-night music show for Radio Ulster. Try 12 issues for 1 today - never miss an issue. MORE : TV legend Des OConnor dies aged 88, MORE : Man arrested on suspicion of punching Rick Moranis in random, unprovoked assault, Jamie Oliver posted haunting last picture with late MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo hours before his death, MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo dies aged 46 leaving family devastated- hours before new series was due to start, MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillos death not being treated as suspicious police confirm, Shocked Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver lead tributes to MasterChef Australia star Jock Zonfrillo after judges death aged 46, BBC presenter still trying to process racial abuse ordeal outside Manchester pub, Man arrested on suspicion of punching Rick Moranis in random, unprovoked assault, Do not sell or share my personal information. His work for BBC children's programming included the show Pinky And Perky, where he selected the songs the two pig puppets would sing. [4] He said on the 5 September 2022 edition of Countdown that for two days his name was Luke Wright, until "a family member pointed out that was a direction"; he later took his stepfather's surname. He loved being on stage entertaining a live audience. The new presenters are Baroness Floella Benjamin, Sir Trevor McDonald, Reverend Richard Coles and Moira Stuart. Belgian-born Stellman was also a record producer and lyricist who wrote songs for stars including Cilla Black, Charles Aznavour and The Shadows. RIP Des - a privilege & a real pleasure to have known you. [34], Murray has continued his journalism work into his presenting career by writing a monthly 'radio diary' piece for The Guardian newspaper. Jamie Oliver seen with Jock Zonfrillo just hours before his death was announced, MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo dies aged 46 leaving family devastated, Michael J Fox shares heartbreaking update on living with Parkinson's. In 2014, she announced her departure from the programme, citing that other work commitments were taking over and that its unfair to commit to something half-heartedly. The former Weakest Link presenter, 77, joined the daytime Murray's contract as Countdown presenter was later extended to the end of 2024. You should consult with an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction before relying upon any of the information presented here. Jason Manford, who was a team captain on 8 Out of 10 Cats from 2007 until 2010, said he had texted the comedian only a few weeks prior to his death. This was followed by a television debut in 2002 as one of six co-presenters on Channel 4's short-lived morning show RI:SE. You may want to read Twitters cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. [33] Murray also hosts the late evening show from 22.30 to 1.00 Monday to Thursday, which (during lockdown) included a virtual pub called The Lock-Inn which was broadcast via radio and Zoom.