Des O’Connor, a mere ‘youngster’ at the age of 82 compared to fellow showbiz legends Bruce Forsyth and Ken Dodd, both 86, wandered on stage unannounced and lit up the Congress with his charisma.

As promised, the popular all-round entertainer served up songs, jokes, anecdotes and charm as he recounted some of his many memories.

His voice is still smooth and melodic as he proved while paying tributes to Buddy Holly with Raining In My Heart and Frank Sinatra with New York, New York. Surprisingly, he chose to include The Young Ones even though, as he admitted, he could not remember all the words.

Ironically, in a first-half ‘getting to know you’ session Des did not enjoy as much rapport with his audience as after the break when he was accompanied by a four-man group including musical director Ray Monk.

Des won us over with his self-deprecating humour while recounting how he was the butt of Eric Morecambe’s jokes for 14 years and was told by a 103-year-old fan that she had watched him since she was a girl!

He also talked about dating Shirley Bassey, playing squash with Tom Jones and touring with Holly. A very entertaining and relaxing afternoon!