Des O'Connor webchat 12 November

nananew

Hi Des!

You got some criticism for having your son later in life. My daughter has recently had a baby and felt criticised for being too young. You cant win!

I am sure he has brought you nothing but joy but what would you/did you say to the critics?

Any grandchildren on the cards too?!

I was accused me of being selfish for having a child in later life, but I had been with Jodie for 15 years for that time and she wanted a child. If I had said No to her, then that would be selfish.

You better ask my daughters about the grandchildren!

peterb

Like many of the people who have posted on here already I am a big fan and an admirer of the variety of your talents. I would love to know whether you prefer being a singer or a presenter? Or (I should probably ask in view of why you are here) a writer?

In showbiz I love what I am doing but there is always something new to try. I have done everything but a film.

billiebooks

Did you enjoy presenting Countdown? I thought you were great but didn't stay around long enough. Are you good with anagrams and number puzzles yourself?

It's the only TV show I have done where you don't have to put your trousers on. When the camera is on, you are always sitting down!

I loved doing it but I wanted to get back to live entertainment.

I love words and I have written lots of poems about words- there's a few sections dedicated to words in my new book! I'm especially good at remembering telephone numbers too...

nannynoodle

Dear Des, I have been a great fan of yours for many years. I would like to know when you started writing poetry and why you enjoy it. Also where you find your inspiration. With thanks

Dear nannynoodle,

I remember changing my son's nappy,
I couldn't believe my luck.
Little boys can do projectile piddling,
That's when I learnt how to duck![/quote]

I write about anything that might niggle or annoy us and try to see the funny side of it. If you can see the funny side of it, it becomes less of an annoyance!

nannynoodle

Dear Des, I have been a great fan of yours for many years. I would like to know when you started writing poetry and why you enjoy it. Also where you find your inspiration. With thanks

Dear nannynoodle,

I remember changing my son's nappy,
I couldn't believe my luck.
Little boys can do projectile piddling,
That's when I learnt how to duck!

sean411

Just read on Twitter that you are answerng questions. The one I would like to ask is how you feel about TV entertainment today - less variety, more reality. I don't think this is a good thing but would love to hear your opinion

May I answer with a poem from the book,

I wouldn't last a day in the jungle.
I don't fancy a Bushtucker Trial,
I couldn't eat a kangaroo's privates
And I won't go on Jeremy Kyle.

tunamayo

You have worked with so many greats over the years - even off the top of my head I can think of Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand and The Beatles and loads more. Who's been your favourite (and actually your least favourite - do tell!)

Whoever is sitting with me on the couch at that moment in time is my favourite! It was great sitting with all those stars but I really enjoyed sitting having conversations with comedians, especially up and coming youngsters. Many of whom are now stars today!

manorborn

I heard you are 82. How can this be? And what is your secret?

Of course it's a lie! I have actually just turned 45, I was 54 before I turned it!

On a serious note, it's best to just eat when you are hungry not because it happens to be lunchtime. I'm not drinking anymore... I'm not drinking any less!

diddle

Hello Des I am another great fan. You always look so tanned - I am very pale and would like some tips please!!

I'll send you some of my make-up! But try to get some sun if you can, which is what I do.

Bralee

Have always been a fan of Des, both for his singing and chat shows. Have always wanted to ask him about one of my favourite 45's called "I'm always thinking of you"' I had this record once but left it at a party. Did Des enjoy recording that record as I don't think I can recall him singing this on any show? I loved it and still can sing all the words! Sue..

Funny you should say that, I once stole a record at a party called 'Thinking of you.' I wondered whose it was!

But to answer your question, I wrote that song and I have to say it is one of my favourites too.

gillybob

Hi Des. Just wondering how you always manage to look so happy and cheerful? Is there anything that gets you down?

Also (am I allowed 2 questions???) Why did you allow Morcambe and Wise to make fun of your singing/records ? How did this come about? I actually think you have a really good voice.

I actually agree with you! I offered to do a duet with Pavorotti, he said he was worried about bad notes. I said I would cover for him!

gillybob

Hi Des. Just wondering how you always manage to look so happy and cheerful? Is there anything that gets you down?

Also (am I allowed 2 questions???) Why did you allow Morcambe and Wise to make fun of your singing/records ? How did this come about? I actually think you have a really good voice.

Nothing really gets me down! Only people that are miserable and can't see the funny side of life. They should lighten up (or buy my book which would help!)

henetha

Hi Des,
what an amazing career you have had. Do you have a favourite show,
or an outstanding moment?

Of all of the shows I have done, To Do an Audience With was a highlight. It was ninety minutes non-stop filming and the bar ran of out booze!