[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. You can unsubscribe at any time. The Crossword Solver finds answers to classic crosswords and cryptic crossword puzzles. He adored his family - they were everything to him.". He pitched the concept to several networks and it was ultimately picked up by Yorkshire Television, which commissioned a series of eight shows. He was guest of honour at their end-of-season awards. [28] The episode has been removed from all online playback sources.[29]. "He had a fabulous international TV career, presenting his own prime-time TV shows for over 45 years. DES OConnor has died aged 88 peacefully in his sleep days after suffering a fall at his home. She also presents the annual Pride Of Britain Awards for the broadcaster. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. If youve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page wed love to hear from you. Simply click here to subscribe and stay up to date with all the latest from across the city and wider West Midlands. Born in Woking, Surrey, Lock left school in the early 1980s and started working on building sites. Of course his stand-up and panel show work was exemplary but 15 Storeys High is a truly beautiful thing. [2], Since August 2017, Murray has hosted the Saturday night EFL television highlights show, first for Channel 5 in the 2017/18 season and since August 2018 for Quest on EFL on Quest. A great loss.. Farewell Sean, you brought a wonderful comedic talent to the world and you will be missed.". "Undisputed, undefeated, carrot in a box champion. Anne-Marie with Countdown host Anne Robinson (centre), and Susie Dent of 'Dictionary Corner'. He also hosted Channel 4 quiz show Countdown with Carol Vorderman, with the pair bowing out together in 2008. He loved being on stage entertaining a live audience. He had been admitted to hospital just over a week ago, following a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire. Mel, who co-host the chat show, Today With Des and Mel said Des had the kindest of hearts. She needed to go beyond the pace and scope of the curriculum.'. O'Connor was made a CBE for his services to entertainment and broadcasting. Stellman appeared on the programme's celebrations for its 2,000th episode in 1997, its 3,000th episode in 2001 and 5,000th episode in 2010. "Unfortunately yesterday evening his condition suddenly deteriorated and he drifted peacefully away in his sleep. Des is survived by his wife Jodie, their son Adam and his four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina. Countdown presenters including Rachel Riley and Carol Vorderman have shared their heartbreak over the news that one of the shows iconic figures has died. Belgian-born Stellman was also a record producer and lyricist who wrote songs for stars including Cilla Black, Charles Aznavour and The Shadows. The entertainer began his illustrious career on the stage, She is working in financial technology, with degrees from Oxford and the University of Pennsylvania. Des Lynam The material and information contained on these pages and on any pages linked from these pages are intended to provide general information only and not legal advice. During the early stages of his career, Des worked with some big names including Cilla Black, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and Shirley Bassey. Aged 75 in 2007, he married singer-songwriter Jodie Brooke Wilson, then 38, four years after he first proposed and 17 years after they first got together. Thanks for the fun https://t.co/cX35TBGAGh, See Kim's most controversial Met Gala looks after 'offensive' Marilyn gown, Inside Teen Mom Jenelle's ex Andrew's humble New York life away from Jace, Kourtney Kardashians thin frame drowns in baggy jeans as she rocks sultry red lips, Wheel of Fortune brings back contestant 'treated unfairly' in rare gesture, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Tributes today flooded in for Des O'Connor, pictured here with his previous co-host Mel Skyes, Des was the host of Countdown, and is seen here alongside co-host Carol Vorderman, One of the last photographs believed to have been taken of the presenter, seen here in May 2020, Des 'loved being on stage', his agent and long-time friend said, He had a fabulous international TV career, Des's daughter paid him a visit during lockdown wearing a tribute T-shirt with his face on, Des's wife Jodie is said to be 'shattered' by the loss of her husband, Des O'Connor, pictured attending the unveiling of the London Palladium's 'Wall Of Fame' in October 2018, died after a fall at his home, Mel Skyes paid tribute to Des, saying he had the 'kindest of hearts', The presenter has been remembered today as 'talented, fun, positive, enthusiastic', Des was best known in the UK as a chat show host and as presenter of Channel 4's 'Countdown', The seasoned presenter and singer joined the cast of Dreamboats and Petticoats at the Playhouse theatre, Des is seen here in 1974 - dying in his sleep on Saturday, Tom Jones and Des O'Connor perform a duet on Des' new chat show, September 1983, The entertainer is seen here meeting the Queen at the 2012 Royal Variety Performance, Tributes have flowed in for the entertainer, Des enjoyed a near six-decade career in showbiz, Des is pictured alongside Melanie Sykes earlier this year, Des is survived by wife Jodie Brooke Wilson and five children, Des was a staple of many Brits' TV viewing, Des O'Connors Countdown bloopers celebrating his final episode presenting the game show. 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. Comedian Des O'Connor died 'peacefully' in his sleep aged 88 yesterday, his agent has confirmed. [20] [4] He had initially thought the audition was for a show on BBC Radio Ulster. "Countdown is a much loved institution, and we couldnt imagine Channel 4 without it. Returning for an all stars versionof the hitITVshow, theformer Countdown presenter, 62,will join a bunch of fellow ex-campmates to compete to be crowned the first Im A Celebrity Legend. Channel 4 issued a statement expressing their sympathy. Enter the length or pattern for better results. Kate takes Charlotte to watch Cinderella at the Royal Opera House ahead of her 8th 'Grandpa King is adorable!' Murray, a Liverpool fan, stated that he was concerned by the "inevitable closer association of the Station with the Sun newspaper". He appears on Fridays with frequent FT panelist Greg Brady and Jim Lang wherein he discusses the week's big sporting topics in the UK, as well as the upcoming weekend's Premier League (or either international, FA Cup or League Cup) action. [6] Kicking Off saw an increase in listeners after its first year of almost 20 per cent, according to 5 September 2011 figures. R.I.P.". They broke another record in 2009 by, aged eight, passing the University of Cambridge's advanced mathematics exam. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. The ultimate professional, an impeccable entertainer, skilful, stylish, self-deprecating, fun to be with, lovely to know. I want to say a big thank you to Ant & Dec when I see them in South Africa and I cant wait to take part in this new series. '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,' said Anne-Marie. [11], As a game show presenter, Murray has co-presented the Channel 4 challenge show Born Sloppy with Sara Cox;[10] he also fronted the Sudoku-based game show Street-Cred Sudoku broadcast on UKTV G2 in 2005[22] and the Channel Five quiz show Payday in 2007. Holidays 'When we saw one of our children show interest towards music, for example, we allowed her to engage with it without age being a factor.'. Cookery's ultimate hellraiser dead at 46: British Masterchef host Jock Zonfrillo lost his virginity at 12, 'A waste of licence payers' money!' He said: 'All we need to know is what makes a child tick and allow them to explore that inclination. He lived in London for many years and is survived by his wife Jean. Read about our approach to external linking. Murray has been a fan of Liverpool and the Northern Ireland national team since childhood. The statement read: It is with great sorrow that I confirm that Des OConnor passed away yesterday. His family paid tribute In 1963, Des landed his own TV show called The Des OConnor Show, which ran for eight series. Instead, a series of guest presenters have hosted the show, On September 12, Murray announced via his Twitter feed that he would be returning to BBC Radio 5 Live to host Fighting Talk. He went on to perform with us on our last tour in 1993, the one that ended in Wembley Arena, and I have great and very funny memories of sharing a stage, and a dressing room, with him from that time. [20] He has also stated he is a Chester F.C. It began in September 2003 in the weekend late-morning slot, but from March 2004 it was moved to the weekday afternoon slot. I loved him. He also hosted the BBC Two nightly highlights show for the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa through June and July. 2023 BBC. [9] After failing to find a suitable sound location, he actually presents the show from his own house, in his bedroom, drawing on his extensive music collection as well as new music downloaded onto iTunes. The veteran entertainer - best known as a chat show host and presenter of Channel 4's Countdown - had enjoyed six decades in the world of entertainment, and made a name for himself on both sides of the Atlantic. 8 Out of 10 Cats regular Joe Lycett tweeted: The Sean Lock news has made me very sad. On his role as both a football presenter and a fan, Murray said in 2009 that "The biggest stick I get when I'm presenting football is from Liverpool fans",[16] and in 2010 "I like a laugh but I am serious also about football and the impartiality required to respect all football fans. Awards with Edith Bowman. [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. He had time for everyone, and treated me exactly the same, from when I was a researcher to when I became an overly excitable teammate. Published: Sunday, 15th November 2020 at 9:39 am, Comedian and former Countdown presenter Des O'Connor dies aged 88. [26] At the end of the 2013 season, Colin Murray announced he was leaving BBC Radio 5 Live to host a new mid-morning show from 10am to 1pm on its commercial rival Talksport, replacing Richard Keys and Andy Gray, and therefore he would be leaving his Kicking Off show and Fighting Talk. He was such a special comedian. The agent added: "Jodie's world is shattered, she and Adam and Des's daughters are hurting more than you could possibly imagine. But today I dont, and I think he might have liked it that way.. Murray stated on his R5 show on 21 December 2020, following a reference to paganism, that he was an atheist. She said: It made me realise that you need to live in the now. Des was the ultimate Entertainer. A statement "One of the best. [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. Never took himself too seriously, which I always liked. She began her broadcast career in 1982 when she joined the programme as the maths and numbers whiz alongside presenter Richard Whiteley until his death in 2005. Murray hosted alongside Stuart Pearce and Perry Groves on Monday (previously Mike Tindall), Des Kelly and Michael Gray on Tuesday, Steve Bunce and Didi Hamann on Wednesday, Daley Thompson and Danny Murphy on Thursday (previously Kelly Sotherton), and Bob Mills and Perry Groves on Friday. Carol Vorderman is a British media personality, arguably best known for appearing on the classic Channel 4 gameshow Countdown for 26 years. Vorderman said of the man she partnered on screen for 23 years: "I adored him and I always will." "One of the best. Countdown host Colin Murray has been confirmed as the new permanent presenter of Countdown. [4] His time with RI:SE was brief and unhappy, with Murray later stating it "scared me off TV for a long time". On leaving Cambridge in July 1965, Whiteley served three years as a trainee at ITN but left to join the newly created Yorkshire Television in July 1968. He loved to mark the game shows 40th anniversary. Des O'Connor was never afraid to laugh at himself and that was part of his charm. Judge Rinder and BBC Strictly Come Dancing Dan Walker will be joining Suzie Dent in dictionary corner. He loved being on stage entertaining a live audience. Channel 4 Countdown is changing its line up to mark the game shows 40th anniversary. In 1963, he was given his own variety show The Des O'Connor Show - and also released music later in the decade including number one hit I Pretend. The Chase and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. They think maths is a difficult concept and it just becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy,' he said. Darling Des, you will be forever missed. He always said the sound of laughter was like the sound of heavenly music. Attorney Advertising. 'Because they were rewarded, they never saw what they were doing as studying it was like they were pursuing their passion, whether it be in maths, musical instruments or sports.'. The show had features such as top talking points from 10am to 10:30am, "Murray Meets.." with a 30-minute interview from 11am to 11:30am, a phone-in from 12pm to 12:30pm and the Sports Brief from 12:30pm to 1pm. In the 1940s and 50s, Stellman also worked on children's programmes for the BBC. [20][21], In sports television, Murray has also presented coverage of late-night American Football and the European Poker Tour for Channel 5. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. Click the answer to find similar crossword clues . "I hope I've encouraged TV bosses to realise that not all women at the wrong end of their seventies are in care homes playing bingo and watching conjuring tricks.". Although best known for his television work, O'Connor also enjoyed a successful music career, working alongside greats like Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and Shirley Bassey, as well as scoring a number one single in 1968 with I Pretend. In an interview with the Guardian, he said, "The second I said it, I knew it was too much." Countdownfamily. He wrote on Twitter: With the passing of Sean Lock we have lost the best of the best. From 2003 onwards Murray established himself as a music radio presenter on the weekday daytime Colin and Edith show, alongside Edith Bowman. By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Countdownco-presenter Carol Vorderman, who joined on the popular teatime game show for all its 23 years, was "absolutely devastated". He went on to feature as a guest for a range of panel shows over the ensuing years, including Have I Got News for You and QI. He made all these characters effortlessly funnier than we had written them. Enter the length or pattern for better results. Colin Murray, 45, has been confirmed as the new full time host of Countdown until March at least after taking over the teatime quiz as temporary presenter in July. Among his best-known tracks was the Max Bygraves hit Tulips From Amsterdam, released in 1958. Im watching clips of him right now laughing and crying. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. During the coronavirus pandemic, Colin co-hosted 5 live "Coronavirus Call-In's" on BBC Radio 5 with Dr. Chris Smith. He was the full ticket as a friend and colleague.". Belgian-born Stellman produced songs for He was one of the UK's best-known television personalities. The Chase Law Group, LLC | 1447 York Road, Suite 505 | Lutherville, MD 21093 | (410) 790-4003, Easements and Related Real Property Agreements. His first show was on 4 February. WebMurray's contract as Countdown presenter was later extended to the end of 2024. [10] In 2013, Murray announced he was leaving BBC Radio 5 Live to move to commercial rival Talksport, taking up the 10am 1pm slot vacated by Richard Keys and Andy Gray. 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. His singing career saw him sell 16 million records and spend 117 weeks in top 10 of the charts. We worked long hours but always laughed lots, not least because when it was showtime he would always tell me I looked like robbers dog! Anne-Marie, 31, has become the first black co-presenter on the Channel 4 show, standing in for Rachel Riley on maternity leave. Labour Party deputy leader Angela Rayner tweeted: "So sorry to hear of the death of entertainer, comedian and all round lovely man Des O'Connor. [23], As a celebrity contestant/participant on various television shows, Murray has appeared as Mark Knopfler on Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes in 2005,[10] performed in Comic Relief does Fame Academy in 2007,[7] competed in the Celebrity MasterChef in 2009,[24] and been the Dictionary Corner guest on the Channel 4 game show Countdown.[6]. "Im devastated for his family today and sad for comedy that we have lost one of the very best. Another part of my childhood telly viewing gone. Melanie x.. Every time we were in studio he made us roll around with laughter. Murray married Carly Paradis in 2012. The Crossword Solver finds answers to classic crosswords and cryptic crossword Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. [19], In 2010, he left Channel 5's football coverage team to replace Adrian Chiles as presenter of the BBC's Match of the Day 2 football highlights television programme, broadcast on Sunday nights on BBC Two as a companion show to the flagship Saturday night Match of the Day show on BBC One. These years I will never forget and nor will I forget him. Vorderman added Stellman had had "a great life well lived" and recalled "many very happy decades together". To view this content choose accept and continue. fan after falling in love with the club following their rise from closure and fronted by the fans. [10] That was followed by six months in 1999 presenting the main national The Session programme from Tuesdays to Thursdays. [4] He started work as a news journalist, working both in Northern Ireland as a trainee for The News Letter, before in 1994 moving to Toronto, Canada, for a year, working on a fellowship for the Toronto Sun. [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. Former Weakest Link host Anne Robinson is set to take over from Hewer in June. Tributes today flooded in to remember the legendary TV star and former host of Countdown. He even hosted Countdown in 2007 alongside Carol Vorderman. Rosie Jones, a comedian who has appeared with Sean Lock on 8 Out Of 10 Cats, has said he was was the kindest man. He was thought to be making a healthy recovery at Leeds General Infirmary. Among those to pay tribute was writer and comedian Gyles Brandreth, who wrote on Twitter: "Des O'Connor was such a nice, nice man. But despite Countdown celebrating its 40th birthday this month, Colin has been nowhere to be seen. 20092013: Departure from Radio 1, move to 5 Live and television career, 20132016: Departure from 5 Live and move to Talksport, 2016present: Departure from Talksport and return to 5 Live, "Countdown host Colin Murray 'splits from wife Carly Paradis after 11 years of marriage', "Colin Murray quits TalkSport after News Corp buyout", "Quest becomes new home of EFL highlights", "Interview: Colin Murray, BBC Radio One presenter", "Colin Murray: The pop picker who got serious", "Biographies Colin Murray Presenter, Radio 1 and 5 Live", "Colin Murray takes over Fighting Talk on Five Live", "Murray to join Barnes on Five's new-look football line-up", "Swine flu forces Colin Murray to miss the kick-off of his radio football show", "Colin Murray will present Match of the Day 2", "Jim Rosenthal to front Channel 5 football coverage", "UKTV gets its digits on Sudoku obsession", "Colin Murray quits after Claire Balding comment", "Colin Murray on Clare Balding: 'The second I said it I knew it was too much', "BBC apologises over Clare Balding lesbian 'cure' joke on Radio 5 Live", "Colin Murray hosts 2015 BDO World Darts Championship", "Rupert Murdoch's News Corp buys TalkSport owner in 220m deal", "BBC "It'll never work." [10] He has also provided the narration for the gameshow Scream if You Know the Answer! One of the best. In 2006, he moved shows on Radio 1, departing Colin and Edith to front the late-night weekday evening music vehicle, The Colin Murray Show. The Crossword Solver finds answers to classic crosswords and cryptic crossword puzzles. He said: 'No two read the same subject they were allowed to choose what they went into. [6] In 2007 Murray directed magician Chris Cox's Edinburgh Fringe Festival show, Everything Happens for a Reason. [5] He was educated at the Regent House Grammar School in Newtownards, and later at Dundonald High School, leaving after GCSEs. Des enjoyed a brief stint as a professional footballer at Northampton Town FC before working a succession of odd jobs, including as a complaints clerk in a boot and shoe factory. Des agent and friend Pat Lake-Smith released a statement confirming the news of his death on Sunday. He released 36 albums, five of which reached the Top 40 on the albums chart. Des may be famous for his TV roles, but he also had a brief career as a professional footballer with Northampton Town. Im A Celebrity South Africa is set to air on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm on April 24. Izzard tweeted: "So sorry to hear this. We worked long hours but always laughed lots, not least because when it it was showtime he would always tell me I looked like robbers dog! And, as she and her four siblings all passed GCSE maths before the age of ten, her family has a strong claim to be the brainiest in Britain. DES OConnor has died aged 88 peacefully in his sleep days after suffering a fall at his home. A comedy panel show favourite, Lock was a team captain on the series 8 Out [8] Murray is also a season ticket-holder at the Welsh club Pontypridd Town, with whom he has promoted tours across Spain, where Pontypridd played pre-season fixtures against Villarreal and Valencia. 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. Click the answer to find similar crossword clues . He adored his family they were everything to him, the statement added. A statement from his agent Off The Kerb Productions said: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sean Lock. O'Connor took on smaller roles in the years that followed, not fronting his own prime time show again, but making several guest appearances on other popular programme, including Would I Lie to You? In 2007, he was named 'Music Broadcaster of the Year' at the Sony Radio Academy Awards. Despite leaving BBC Radio, he continued hosting the BDO World Darts Championship for BBC Television in January 2014, 2015 and 2016, alongside Bobby George and Talksport commentator Jim Proudfoot (who occasionally guests on his show), and also hosted occasional music programmes for BBC Radio 6 Music. Jodies world is shattered, she and Adam and Des's daughters are hurting more than you could possibly imagine. Unfortunately yesterday evening his condition suddenly deteriorated and he drifted peacefully away in his sleep. It was rebooted again in 2002. "He was loved by millions as every day he filled the screen and made us laugh. Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts. Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? The ultimate professional, an impeccable entertainer, skilful, stylish, self-deprecating, fun to be with, lovely to know. COUNTDOWN'S new presenter Colin Murray has broken his silence on his latest telly role - vowing to "earn the respect" of co-host Rachel Riley. Des O'Connor, beloved comedian and presenter, has died at the age of 88, his agent has confirmed. RIP Des - a privilege & a real pleasure to have known you. Bobby Seagull will also appear, as will Christopher Biggins. Stellman brought Countdown to the UK in 1982, inspired by French TV series Des Chiffres et Des Lettres (Numbers and Letters). 'Woke' Google bosses ban staff from using terms including 'man hours', 'you guys', 'blacklist' and 'chubby' Do YOU live in Britain's oldest town? WebList of deaths in Countdown (2019) View source. On 7 November 2020, it was announced that Murray would replace Nick Hewer as host of Countdown as the second coronavirus lockdown precluded Hewer, 76, from being able to travel to the set. WebThe Crossword Solver found 30 answers to "countdown presenter#", 5 letters crossword clue. Call for millions to take part in 'Homage of the People' to King Charles at the coronation sparks backlash Princess of Wales 'plans to go without a tiara and wear a floral headpiece for King Charles' coronation 'It makes me proud to be British': The Royal superfans who started camping out on the Mall more than a week Bank holiday treat! We have even had a message saying Mass is being said for him in Ireland today. On 22 January 2013 it was announced that Murray would be replaced as presenter of Match of the Day 2 by Mark Chapman, the change commencing at the end of the 201213 season. VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line, Why an Indian comedian is challenging fake news rules. The TV legend was born on January 12, 1932 in Stepney, East London but was evacuated to Northampton during the Second World War. Not only did Des have a successful TV career, but he also had success with music. He stated that the concomitant business links between Talksport and The Sun meant that, after the scandal of the Hillsborough disaster and of its coverage by The Sun, his position would be untenable owing to the feelings of Liverpool fans (including himself) towards that newspaper. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. The pair's working relationship was close, and when she left the show after contract negotiations turned sour Stellman expressed his "upset". In a statement, she said: "We have had thousands of messages from our Melanie Sykes today led tributes for her former co-host, writing: "Des had the softest hands of anyone I ever met and the kindest of hearts. 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. ", A much loved part of the C4 family hes played a huge role on the channel for over two decades, and well miss him. The Northern Irish radio and television presenter reacted to "This is a person I have known for 26 years who started Countdown. At present, Carol is a regular face on This Morning and often acts as a stand in for Lorraine Kelly on her ITV daytime. [10] In documentary television, in 2010 Murray co-wrote and presented the BBC Two documentary Davis v Taylor: The '85 Black Ball Final, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 1985 World Snooker Championship final.