Tribute to Des O'Connor, a great entertainer who had a love for Blackpool

Memory Lane looks back at some of the many occasions which brought the late Des O’Connor to the Fylde Coast.
By Claire Lark
Published 20th Nov 2020, 15:45 BST
Updated 20th Nov 2020, 16:08 BST
With Lonnie Donegan during a friendly game of tennis in 1961 at FairhavenWith Lonnie Donegan during a friendly game of tennis in 1961 at Fairhaven
With Lonnie Donegan during a friendly game of tennis in 1961 at Fairhaven

National treasure Des O’Connor, who died earlier this month, first came to Blackpool in 1954 sparking a love of the resort which brought him back time and time again.

That first visit was a small billing for a week in a Blackpool Palace Theatre variety show which was headed by singer Dickie Valentine.

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It was early days for the great entertainer and was a step on from his two-year stint as a Butlin’s Red Coat in Skegness.

Des O’Connor with Blackpool entertainer Bob More who won a competition to sing a duet with himDes O’Connor with Blackpool entertainer Bob More who won a competition to sing a duet with him
Des O’Connor with Blackpool entertainer Bob More who won a competition to sing a duet with him

He made regular visits to Blackpool from there including his first Blackpool summer season at the North Pier in 1961, when the bill-topper was singer Michael Holliday.

These photos were taken during his many visits to the Fylde.

One photo shows Des and Lonnie Donegan sharing a joke during a friendly game of tennis in 1961 at Fairhaven Lake Tennis Courts.

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Another photo shows local entertainer Bob More who won a competition to sing a duet with Des in 2002. Afterwards Bob said: “It was all good fun and Des is a top bloke. We had a few laughs, I can tell you!” One of Des’ final visits to Blackpool came in 2011 with his one-man show at The Grand Theatre in 2011. He then appeared at the Opera House in 2017 with Jimmy Tarbuck in a two man show.

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