Paul O’Grady tribute shows pull in the viewers
Tribute programmes broadcast last night in celebration of the life and work of Paul O’Grady have rated for BBC One and Channel 5.
The BBC opted to replay an episode of Blankety Blank which Paul hosted as his alter ego Lily Savage. Unbroadcast for many years – Challenge TV currently only repeat the ITV version of Lily’s shows – the edition featured star turns Rebecca Callard, Sophie Lawrence, Davina McCall, Sir Ian McKellen, Gray O’Brien and Dale Winton.
With 2.6 million viewers the 7pm screening was the most watched BBC One show for Saturday night while Paul O’Grady: 40 Years of Laughter pulled in 1.5m for Channel 5. The 90 minute programme, first transmitted in 2017, looked back on the career and life of Paul with contributions from Dean Sullivan, Linda Nolan, Pete Price, Sherrie Hewson and many others sharing recollections of their pal Paul.
BBC Sounds have uploaded a collection of Paul O’Grady specials from his long-running Sunday series on BBC Radio 2.
Paul died unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Tuesday (March 28th) aged 67. He had been due to host a second special for Boom Radio next weekend. The station is to replay his last-ever radio show made for Boom – a Christmas Special – on Easter Sunday at 2pm.
A new series of Paul O’Grady for the Love of Dogs will begin later this month on ITV1/STV. The network is to also show a tribute documentary For the Love of Paul O’Grady featuring highlights from his incredible career and interviews with those who knew him best on Sunday, April 9th at 8pm.
