Des O'Connor Tonight is a British variety chat show hosted by comedian and singer Des O'Connor. It was originally broadcast on the BBC from 1977 until 1982, where it then moved to ITV in 1983 starting on 1 November and ran until 24 December 2002 after it was axed by ITV after nearly 26 years on air.
Oct 17, 1977
Des O'Connor introduces the first show in a series that would run regularly for the next 22 years. With laughs from Les Dawson and two musical guests, Des wasn't happy with his own performance, later calling it "absolutely awful".
Oct 24, 1977
For his second show, Des introduces laughs and songs from Bruce Forsyth, Lynsey de Paul and New York comedian Fred Travalena.
Oct 31, 1977
"Madam - can you just breathe in?" Des brings Ted Rogers onto the show for some topical comedy, but both men are distracted by an overenthusiastic audience member who can't stop joining in. Among the other guests is Billy Daniels.
Nov 7, 1977
Des chats with Mike Yarwood about impersonations, which he claims he "likes to treat it as an art form". There's also a duet with Bobby Gentry, Des doing Jolson, and the UK debut of American comedian Tom Dreesen.
Nov 14, 1977
A very musical edition, with Des introducing songs from teenage duo the Keane Brothers, Tom Bresh and Marti Caine. As well as chat with all three Des does, of course, pick up the microphone for three songs of his own.
Nov 21, 1977
Des presents the UK TV debut of comedian Kelly Monteith, who goes down so well with the audience he's asked back for the next episode, an appearance that would lead to his own BBC2 series. Among the other guests is Larry Grayson.
