Des O'Connor Tonight

- Season 7

(1983)

After five years with the BBC, Des O'Connor Tonight switches broadcasters to ITV. Welcoming Des to his new home are guests including Tom Jones, Garry Shandling and Stephanie Lawrence.

David Frost, Elaine Paige and Jonathan Winters put in appearances - though Des has to watch out for Elaine's over-defensive dog.

Freddie Starr makes the jump with Des to ITV, becoming almost inarguably the guest most associated with the series, with multiple return appearances. Also on this edition are Sheila Ferguson and Ronnie Schell.

With comedians Jim Davidson and Steve Mittleman, plus music from Chas 'n' Dave.

Des performs a duet with "Frank Sinatra" - better known as Mike Yarwood. Also on the show are Brenda Lee and Paul Provenza.

Des packs in the comedy this week, with Joan Rivers, Mick Miller, Jimmy Cricket and Bobby Knutt all lined up as guests.

Ken Dodd congratulates Des on his new set at the ITV studios, and gives his take on "new wave" comedy. Also on the show are Grace Kennedy and Nelson Sardelli.

A Boxing Day edition with Marti Caine, Jimmy Tarbuck and Charlie Callas.

Des ends his first series of "Des O'Connor Tonight" for ITV, but would return to the channel for late nights just three months later with Des O'Connor Now (1984). Seeing him out for the last of the run are guests including Michael Parkinson.