British comedian and TV star Des O'Connor dies aged 88

'He loved life, and considered enthusiasm almost as important as oxygen,' says his agent

British TV star Des O'Connor has died aged 88. Getty Images

The comedian has been a staple on British TV since 1954. Getty Images

Comedy duo Eric Morecambe (right) and Ernie Wise (left) with comedian and singer Des O'Connor for the Christmas special of the BBC television series 'The Morecambe and Wise Show', on December 4, 1975. Getty Images

Des O'Connor playing guitar at home with his daughters Tracy and Samantha and wife Gillian, February 7, 1978. Getty Images

Des O'Connor, Billy Dainty and Ron Parry rehearsing ahead of appearing on 'Saturday Spectacular.' Getty Images

Des O'Connor in his riding silks at Newmarket stables where he trained for the Epsom Champagne Amateur Riders Derby. Getty Images

Singer and entertainer Des O'Connor in hospital with a broken leg, being visited by friend and fellow entertainer Eric Morecambe, Wellington Hospital, London, February 27, 1978. Getty Images

Janet Jackson being interviewed on the 'Des O'Connor Show' in 1997. Getty Images

Des O'Connor in "Dreamboats and Petticoats" at the Playhouse Theatre in London. (Photo by robbie jack/Corbis via Getty Images)

Des O'Connor (R), wife Jodie Brooke Wilson and son Adam O'Connor attend an after party following the press night performance of 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' at The Savoy Hotel on April 2, 2014. Getty Images

English comedian Des O'Connor (left) with pop singer Cliff Richard during rehearsals for the show 'Stars In Your Eyes' at the London Palladium, on May 26, 1960. Getty Images

British TV legend Des O'Connor has died aged 88.

The comic's family confirmed that he died "peacefully" in his sleep on Saturday,  November 14, after being admitted to hospital in Buckinghamshire, England, last week.

"He was a joy to work with – he was talented, fun, positive, enthusiastic, kind and a total professional," a statement from his agent reads.

"He loved life, and considered enthusiasm almost as important as oxygen. He adored his family, they were everything to him.

"He is survived by his wife Jodie, their son Adam and his four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina. Jodie’s world is shattered, she and Adam and Des's daughters are hurting more than you could possibly imagine.

"Des was the ultimate entertainer. He loved being on stage – entertaining a live audience. He always said the sound of laughter was like the sound of heavenly music.

"He had a fabulous international TV career, presenting his own prime-time TV shows for over 45 years. On stage, he starred at almost every leading venue throughout the world."

O'Connor was best known for his chat show The Des O'Connor Show. He also presented the British game show Countdown for two years. In 2008, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday Honours.