Beloved Liverpool comedian Tom O’Connor has died at the age of 81.
O’Connor passed away in hospital on Sunday surrounded by his family after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease, which was diagnosed 14 years ago.
The Bootle-born entertainer became a household name during the 1970s and 1980s as presenter of shows including Crossfits and Name That Tune.
Prior to finding fame as the winner of talent show Opportunity Knocks, he had been a music and maths teacher at St Joan of Arc in his native Merseyside.
O’Connor remained a familiar face to television audiences as a regular contributor to Countdown’s Dictionary Corner between 1996 and 2008.
In 2011 he also appeared on Pointless Celebrities alongside his daughter-in-law and former Olympic athlete Denise Lewis.
Tributes poured in from across the showbiz world for O’Connor, including many from fellow Scouse comedians Les Dennis and John Bishop.
“I was first exposed to the magic of stand up comedy when my dad brought a cassette tape home of Tom O’Connor,” tweeted Bishop.
“We all sat and listened and l laughed whenever my dad laughed, not knowing why it was funny but loving the connection of comedy.
“RIP Tom and thank you for that memory.”
Dennis added: “So very sad to hear that the wonderful Tom O’Connor has died.
“Dustin Gee and I did summer season with him in Great Yarmouth in 1984. A great comedian and a lovely man,he will be sadly missed.
“Love and thoughts with Pat, Steve and all the family at this sad time.
“RIP Sir.”
Former heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno said: “I worked with Tom many times over the years.
“A real comical character. He was so quick, I was still laughing at a previous joke when had told another one, great all round entertainer.”
Carol Vorderman said: “Tom was universally loved in our industry.
“He was as lovely and caring and funny off screen as he was on.
“A true gentleman.”