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Liverpool comedian and TV presenter Tom O’Connor dies at 81

Comedy career started out in working men’s clubs but he later broke into television

Comedian Tom O’Connor made an impact with British TV shows including Name That Tune and Opportunity Knocks. File photograph: Getty

Sun Jul 18 2021 - 16:05

Noted Liverpool comedian Tom O'Connor has died aged 81, his family has announced.

The entertainer, born in Bootle, Merseyside, was best known for presenting a number of hit game shows including Crosswits and Name That Tune.

O’Connor died on Sunday morning, his family confirmed via his agent.

His comedy career started out in working men’s clubs, but he broke into television on shows including The Comedians and Opportunity Knocks.

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He went on to establish himself as a household name through the '70s and '80s including in shows such as Pick Pockets and The Zodiac Game.

O’Connor hosted Name That Tune from 1976 until 1983.

Later in his career, he continued to appear on television, starring in BBC soap Doctors in the early 2000s and the celebrity edition of Come Dine With Me in 2010.

In 2011 he also appeared on the Pointless Celebrities quiz show with his daughter-in-law Denise Lewis, who is a former Olympic athlete.

Liverpool City Council paid tribute to O'Connor in a post on its official Twitter page.

“Sad news breaking about the death of veteran Liverpool comedian Tom O’Connor,” it said. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Thanks for the laughs, Tom.”

TV presenter Piers Morgan also paid tribute to O’Connor.

“RIP Tom O’Connor, 81. Comedian, TV game show host, Liverpool legend & a very funny man,” he tweeted. “Sad news. Thanks for all the laughs, Tom.”

BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker tweeted: "How sad. I had the pleasure of meeting Tom O'Connor and he was kind, funny and a true gent.

“I loved watching him on telly – Crosswits was great. My sympathies are with his family and friends.”

Former EastEnders actor Stuart Anthony paid tribute to O'Connor in a post on Twitter.

He wrote: “Very sad to hear that Tom O’Connor has passed away. He was a lovely man with some great stories. My thoughts are with his family.” – PA

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