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Veteran entertainer Tom O'Connor dies, aged 81

Veteran entertainer Tom O'Connor dies, aged 81
Name That Tune and Crosswits host Tom O'Connor dies at the age of 81.

Tom O'Connor, host of quiz shows including Name That Tune and Crosswits, has died at the age of 81.

The comedian - a familiar face on TV through the '80s and '90s - was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 14 years ago and died in hospital on Sunday surrounded by family.

O'Connor's daughter-in-law, former Olympic athlete Denise Lewis, said: "His whole mantra was about making people laugh.

"If you met him that's all he wanted to do, which is make you feel good about yourself, which is a cherished quality which we don't probably see enough of today.

"He lived with Parkinson's for about 14 years and we saw him coping very well and in the latter couple of years, it really started to take a hold and it's tragic.

"But without a doubt, Tom always tried to make light of it and even at the end, when he lost his battle with the disease, you could see that spark in his eyes, that humour still coming through those eyes of his right to the end."

O'Connor is survived by his wife and four children.

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