Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Luke Traynor

Liverpool comedian Tom O'Connor dies, aged 81

Acclaimed Liverpool comedian Tom O'Connor has died, aged 81.

The TV presenter, born in Bootle, passed away in hospital today surrounded by his family.

The former Crosswits host was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease 14 years ago and his condition worsened in the last two years.

READ MORE: Full list of what's allowed and what's not from 'Freedom Day' tomorrow

O'Connor, who attended St Mary's College, Crosby, rose to fame on TV show Opportunity Knocks which he won three times.

He went onto successes with game shows like Pick Pockets, The Zodiac Game, Name That Tune, Password and Gambit.

O'Connor, father-in-law of Olympic athlete Denise Lewis, died today, leaving a wife and four children.

The front cover of the single Festival Song - the song, sung by Tom O'Connor (pictured) and co-written by Danny Guy and Derek Cleary, celebrated Liverpool's International Garden Festival of 1984 (Liverpool Echo)

In his early working life he was a maths and music teacher and then performed stand-up in men's working clubs.

His "Never a cross word" catchphrase at the end of Crosswits became known in households up and down the country.

Tributes have been paid to O'Connor, calling him a "true gentleman."

John Challis, who played Boycie in Only Fools and Horses, said: "So sorry to hear that Tom O'Connor has died.

"He was a funny man and one of life’s gentlemen.

"Thanks for the laughs and Gawd bless you, Tom."

Ken Dodd funeral, Liverpool Cathedral. Stan Boardman and Tom O'Connor (Daily Mirror)

Former Newsround presenter Lizo Mzimba said: "Very sad news that comedian Tom O’Connor best known from shows like Opportunity Knocks, The Comedians, Name That Tune and many more has died aged 81."

For the latest news and breaking news visit http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/

Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @LivECHONews - the official Liverpool ECHO Twitter account - real news in real time.

We're also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.

Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.