Bradley Walsh choked up when he spoke about Des O'Connor and said he was like a dad to him
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Bradley Walsh emotional tribute to ‘dad’ Des O’Connor

Brad said Des was a giant

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Bradley Walsh described the late Des O’Connor as “like a dad to him” and choked up when talking about his idol.

Entertainment legend Des died aged 88 in November 2020, and is the subject of ITV documentary Des O’Connor: The Ultimate Entertainer.

And Bradley credits him for playing a huge part in his career.

Bradley Walsh choked up when he spoke about Des O'Connor and said he was like a dad to him
Bradley got emotional on This Morning while talking about Des (Credit: ITV)

What did Bradley say about Des O’Connor?

In an interview on This Morning only two days after Des died, The Chase host Bradley paid tribute to the man he credits for helping him in career.

Appearing alongside fellow legends Jimmy Tarbuck and Tommy Cannon, Bradley disclosed just how close he was to Des.

Read more: The Chase host Bradley Walsh reveals warning he received about the Queen from Des O’Connor

“A lady once said to him at a show, is Bradley Walsh your illegitimate son?” he told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.

“And he joked yes and it stayed in his act since, even at the point when he was on the road with Tarby.”

des o'connor hosting countdown
Des hosting Countdown in 2008 (Credit: Channel 4)

What else did Bradley say?

As he became choked up, he continued: “I’ve got to thank Des because I’m sure I wouldn’t be where I am now in the industry without Des’ input and his love and care.

“And he was like a dad to me. He is a sad loss. He is a giant.”

Bradley Walsh choked up when he spoke about Des O'Connor and said he was like a dad to him
Des featured on Morecambe and Wise in the 1970s (Credit: YouTube)

How did Des become famous?

Des enjoyed a hugely successful 60-year career in which he released hit singles, appeared on some of the biggest stages in the world and hosted hit TV shows.

Aside from his musical career, Des was best known in the UK for his chat show on ITV.

Read more: Des O’Connor was battling Parkinson’s disease when he died, reveals his widow

He routinely welcomed some of the biggest stars in the world on to his weekly ITV show in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

In later years, Des presented Today With Des And Mel with Melanie Sykes and Channel 4 quiz Countdown.

Des O’Connor: The Ultimate Entertainer is on ITV at 10.35pm on Sunday, January 2.

Des O'Connor tribute with Jimmy Tarbuck, Bradley Walsh and Tommy Cannon - 16th Nov 2020

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Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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