As a fan of Des (short for 'Desperate' as Eric Morecambe used to say) O'Connor and ATV, I was delighted to discover today that a well-known DVD company is to release highlights from The Des O'Connor Show this June.

As well as proving popular in the UK, O'Connors 1970 series brought the entertainer to the attention of American viewers as the series was also broadcast on prime-time TV in the USA.

Featuring a clever mix of comedy and song, the now legendary entertainer also introduced a rich array of guests during the series including: Terry-Thomas, Val Doonican, Dusty Springfield, Liberace, Jimmy Edwards, Lonnie Donegan, Sacha Distel, Sandie Shaw, Matt Monro, Roy Hudd, Harry Secombe. The series also included one-time Carry On film team members, Jack Douglas and the lovely Valerie Leon.

Having only ever watched clips from this series, I am very excited about the DVD boxset release of highlights from this series. It will also give younger viewers in Borehamwood the chance to see just one of the many light entertainment shows that used to be made at the historic TV complex, now the home of EastEnders and Holby City.

With Jack Douglas having passed away late last year, Des O'Connor: Volume One will give fans such as myself the chance to relive the days when Douglas and O'Connor worked togther.

I was lucky enough to see Des O'Connor live at the London Palladium in 1997. To see Des live on stage is to really see him at his best. But Des was also a fine sketch performer, and his 1970 series is proof of this.

I'll end, however, by quoting my favourite Eric Morecambe Des O'Connor-related joke: "If you want me to be a gonna, get me an LP by Des O'Connor."