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 gameshows including “Crosswits” and “Name That Tune.”
O’Connor died on Sunday morning, his family confirmed via his agent.
O’Connor’s comedy career started out in working men’s clubs, however, he broke into television on shows including “The Comedians” and “Opportunity Knocks.”
He then went on to establish himself as a household name through the ‘70s and ’80s including in “Pick Pockets” and “The Zodiac Game.”
O’Connor hosted “Name That Tune” from 1976 until 1983.
Later in his career, O’Connor 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 wrote on Twitter.
“Sad news. Thanks for all the laughs, Tom.”
“BBC Breakfast” host Dan Walker said on Twitter: “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.”
