Des O’Connor declared he hoped to live to 95 and see his son get married after becoming a dad again at 72.
The telly star died on Saturday aged 88, leaving his family devastated.
Des married for the fourth time later in life after finding love with Jodie Brooke Wilson, 37 years his junior.
Des was already dad to four daughters from previous relationships when they welcomed their son, Adam, when the star was 72.
After becoming a dad again so late in life, Des defended the decision – insisting he didn’t want to deprive Jodie of the joys of motherhood.
He also revealed he hoped to live well into his 90s like his own dad as he dreamed of seeing Adam get married one day.
He told the Daily Mail: “Jodie wanted a baby and if I’d said: ‘I’ve got four children, but you can’t have one’ that would have been selfish.
‘And if I live as long as my own father — he died at 95 — I should be around to see Adam get married. I do get concerned that one day he’ll realise his dad is older than the other fathers, but I can’t do anything about that.
‘We have a lot of fun together. I still play football with him, and for his birthday I’ll be going with him to Legoland with a minibus full of his mates.”
Des was also dad to Karen O’Connor with his first wife Phyllis Gill, Tracy and Samantha with second wife Gillian Vaughan and Kristina with third wife, Jay Rufer.
Speaking before his 80th birthday, Des admitted his wife did want another child but he was worried it might be “selfish” because of his advancing years.
He added: “My wife has mentioned having another baby. But it would be a bit selfish of me at my age, even though I’m in reasonably good nick.”
News of Des’ death was confirmed today.
His agent revealed he died in hospital yesterday a week after suffering a fall at home.
They said in a statement: “It is with great sorrow that I confirm that Des O’Connor passed away yesterday ).
“He had been admitted to hospital just over a week ago, following a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire.
“He was recovering well and had been in great spirits, visited by his family – in accordance with hospital lockdown regulations – and looking forward to going home.
“Unfortunately yesterday evening his condition suddenly deteriorated and he drifted peacefully away in his sleep.