For the Love of Paul O’Grady rates for ITV

3.1 million viewers turned to ITV on Sunday evening as the channel aired a tribute to Paul O’Grady.

In For the Love of Paul O’Grady friends of the late comedian, actor and presenter such as Carol Vorderman, Julian Clary, Sally Lindsay and Michael Cashman recalled memories of the personality and celebrated his life and work. The programme also showed Paul’s dedication to social justice – be it people or animals. The show drew in ITV’s biggest audience of the day.

It was the latest in a number of radio and television tributes to draw viewers to Paul who became a television regular as drag act Lily Savage. On April 1st BBC One opted to replay an episode of Blankety Blank which Paul hosted as his alter ego, 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. It was seen by 2.6 million viewers with the 7pm screening the most watched BBC One show on the night.

Over on Channel 5 on April 1st Paul O’Grady: 40 Years of Laughter pulled in 1.5m. 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 Radio 2 and BBC Sounds have replayed three programmes. A special to mark the 50th anniversary of the soap opera Crossroads that saw Paul in conversation with Jane Rossington, Paul Henry, Susan Hanson and Tony Adams as well as two TV Themes specials while Boom Radio, which Paul joined in December 2022, repeated his first and sadly last special with them from Christmas Day last year yesterday. Paul had been due to start a new run of episodes with Boom Radio from Easter Sunday.

Paul died last month aged 67.