Crooning Des to the rescue

Veteran entertainer Des O’Connor came to the rescue after sound problems stopped recording on BBC1’s Parkinson show – by crooning to keep the audience amused.

O’Connor, often jokingly ridiculed for his easy listening style by late comics Morecambe and Wise, gave an impromptu performance until engineers sorted out difficulties.

“He got a fabulous reception and showed what a professional he is,” said a member of the audience at Thursday night’s recording.

Presenter Michael Parkinson was about to start his interview with X-Men 2 star Hugh Jackman when the sound went.

O’Connor – a fellow guest – then sprang into action, picked up a microphone and had a word with band leader Laurie Holloway.

His musicians then burst into That Old Black Magic and by the time O’Connor had finished singing, studio staff had fixed the sound.