Des O’Connor dead: Carol Vorderman recalls legend’s funny swear word

Carol Vorderman shared fond memories of her time working with TV legend Des O’Connor, praising him for never being ‘crude or nasty’. 

O’Connor died ‘peacefully in his sleep’ on Saturday at the age of 88 after suffering a fall earlier in the week. 

He notably hosted Countdown alongside Carol for two years and the two became great friends. 

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Carol said: ‘He was the same off-screen as he was on and he just wanted to entertain. 

‘He was that unusual combination, unique almost, where he was a brilliant comedian, he was a singer – not saying he was a brilliant singer because that was part of the joke wasn’t it – he was a really good singer and sold millions and millions of records. He kept that joke running with Morecambe and Wise.’ 

Carol said that she ‘starts laughing’ whenever she thinks of O’Connor and believes that’s ‘what he would want us to do’ following his death. 

Carol Vorderman and Des O’Connor worked together on Countdown (Picture: ITV)

The TV presenter also revealed O’Connor came up with his own swear word if something went wrong on-set, which was ‘pigglebum and stocking tops’. 

She added fondly: ‘He was never crude, he was never nasty, he was always funny and he always had the twinkle.’ 

Carol had earlier paid tribute to her friend on social media shortly after news of his death broke on Sunday. 

In a post, she wrote: ‘RIP Des O’Connor. So sad this morning to hear that darling Des has passed away. 

‘He was the host of Countdown for a couple of years and was a joy to work with. Lively, funny, he ALWAYS wanted to entertain people. 

‘I will remember him most tho for his brilliant chat shows in the days when families would gather round the telly to watch , Des O’Connor was the King.’ 

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.