Paul O'Grady Honoured In New TV Special

Over the weekend, Paul O'Grady was remembered fondly by his celebrity friends as part of an ITV documentary

The TV special For The Love Of Paul O'Grady which aired on ITV last Sunday, saw famous names like Carol Vorderman, Michael Cashman, Sally Lindsay, Julian Clary and others pay tribute to the late presenter.

Paul O'Grady died last month aged 67. According to his husband Andre Postasio, he died "unexpectedly but peacefully". 

The special saw O'Grady praised for his extensive work to support the South London animal and rescue centre Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, both on and off screen. He was also renowned for his love of animals.

"He was not only brilliant as an entertainer, he was a force for good", Vorderman said of O'Grady. 

Actor Tony Maudsley who plays George Shuttleworth in Coronation Street praised O'Grady's love of animals, saying that "he used to be feeding sheep at the breakfast table", while Amanda Mealing added, "a cow in the kitchen eating leftover birthday cake".

Our staff and dogs are getting ready to watch @ITV's 'For the Love of Paul O'Grady' tonight at 8pm. There will be a lot of love across the country for Paul tonight and we'd love to see photos and videos of you and your dogs watching along by tagging @Battersea_ and #PawsforPaul💙 pic.twitter.com/juJv3UADK1

— Battersea (@Battersea_) April 9, 2023

Elsewhere, the TV special also explored Paul O'Grady's close friendship with Queen Elizabeth II.

"I know the Queen was very, very at ease with him," actress Linda Thorson said. "And he would have tea with her, and the reason that the Queen liked talking to Paul is that so few people knew how to talk to her. Paul could talk to anybody". 

Michael Cashman also commented, "The Queen loved him. And of course, all they did was talk about animals and farming, and she loved his sense of humour". 

For The Love Of Paul O'Grady also included footage of the comic interviewing the likes of Lady Gaga, Cilla Black and Simon Cowell, before concluding with a message from Andre Postasio in his husband's honour. 

"On behalf of Paul O'Grady, his husband Andre Portasio would like to thank everyone for taking their time to send condolences", he said. "The family is overwhelmed with everyone's kindness and generosity".