Des O'Connor Tonight

- Season 20

(1996)

A new series begins with Dave Allen joking that his hair had turned grey waiting to be invited on. Also appearing are Bill Bailey, Phil Collins and the Spice Girls, plus there's another chance for Des to flirt with Shirley Bassey.

Des gets to talk with Prime Minister Tony Blair, though his easy-going, non-probing approach doesn't go down well with the press. Also on the show are guests including Portuguese sensation Tony Ferrino - better known as Steve Coogan.

A crammed Christmas Day special, with guests including Diana Ross, Julio Iglesias, Spike Milligan, Joe Pasquale, Bradley Walsh, The Back Street Boys, Eric Sykes, Lily Savage, Lesley Joseph, Norman Collier, and the "Two Fat Ladies".

Des chats to Barbra Streisand about her career, music, romance, sharing tea with Prince Charles and her new movie, "The Mirror Has Two Faces". As well as Barbra complimenting his singing, Des also welcomes Ken Dodd, Jimeoin and Damage.

Anthony Hopkins appears on the show to talk about his new film "Surviving Picasso", but would much rather do his Tommy Cooper impression. Also included among the guests is unwitting instigator Freddie Starr.

John Cleese tells Des about the real-life inspiration for Basil Fawlty, and performs "the Courier Sketch". He's joined by a special friend to promote "Fierce Creatures", while among the other guests are Jeff Green and The Corrs.

Des's guests include Phil Cool, Eddie Izzard, Brian Conley, Lionel Richie and Michelle Gayle.

With guests Hugh Grant, Tim Vine and David Strassman, plus music from Donna Lewis and Rod Stewart.

Des is joined by Terry Wogan, Jim Davidson, Dominic Holland, Cathy Dennis and Babyface.

Des signs off on his twentieth series by introducing a comedian who would become a regular for the remainder of the show's run: Johnnie Casson. Also appearing are Shirley MacLaine, Alisha, Wet Wet Wet and The Bee Gees.