ITV TO AIR TRIBUTE PROGRAMME TO DES O'CONNOR

ITV will pay tribute to Des O'Connor in a one hour special celebrating his life and work.

Des was the longest serving prime time TV host on British Television. He topped theatre bills globally, including over a thousand solo appearances at the London Palladium.

And despite much mockery from Morecambe & Wise, he released 36 Chart topping albums. With a career spanning nearly 70 years, Des O'Connor was a showbusiness legend.

Filming began earlier this year after Des, at 88 years old, decided to take a well-earned retirement from the spotlight. With insight from family and showbiz friends, and with exclusive access to an amazing collection of hundreds of unseen home movies, the programme will provide an intimate portrayal of how Des went from Butlins Redcoat to become the ultimate entertainer.

Contributors include: Jonathan Ross, Jay Leno, Melanie Sykes, Bradley Walsh, Joe Pasquale, Alan Davies, Elaine Paige, Sir Cliff Richard, Jimmy Tarbuck, Sheila Ferguson, Jodie Brooke Wilson, Adam O'Connor.

Des O’Connor: The Ultimate Entertainer airs Sunday 13th December at 9pm on ITV.