He was also one of the nation’s most-famous dog lovers and animal rights advocates.
A longtime supporter and ambassador of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, O'Grady notably helped raise the profile of the shelter to millions around the world through the hugely-popular ITV series Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs.
But rather than focusing on his love for dogs, last night's documentary was instead all about the love everyone had for Paul.
Viewers left 'in tears' after ITV airs emotional Paul O'Grady tribute documentary / Credit: ITV
Thousands tuned in to watch the one-hour documentary special, For The Love of Paul O'Grady, on ITV last night, as the much-loved TV presenter's incredible career was celebrated and he was remembered and honoured by those who knew him best.
O'Grady was remembered as a "force for good" by his famous friends.
Touching tributes were paid by Carol Vorderman, Julian Clary, Michael Cashman, and Jonathan Ross on the show, while former Labour Party leader Ed Milliband, actor Tony Maudsley, actresses Linda Thornton, Amanda Mealing, and Sally Lindsay, and TV presenter Gaby Roslin also shared their memories of O'Grady.
During and after the documentary aired on ITV, fans took to social media to share their thoughts and admit that they'd been left "in tears".
"In tears tonight after watching ITV's beautiful and poignant tribute to Paul O’Grady. Fly high lovely man, we are all going to miss you so much," one fan said on Twitter.
Another fan on Twitter said they were "in bits".
One fan wrote in reaction to the documentary: "I don't think it has sunk in what we have all lost, from Lily Savage to the rescue dogs, what a man, what a legend and what a campaigner who never forgot where he came from."
"He really was universally loved," another fan said, "I have yet to hear anyone say a bad word against him. His humanity shone through. So very sad."
As the show drew to a close, a message from Paul O'Grady's husband, Andre Portasio, appeared on the screen.
"On behalf of Paul O'Grady, his husband Andre Portasio would like to thank everyone for taking their time to send condolences. The family is overwhelmed with everyone's kindness and generosity."
Featured Image - Battersea
Art & Culture
Adventurous people from Yorkshire needed to take part in next series of BBC’s Race Across the World
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Yorkshire residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic people from Yorkshire are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at TESTBED in February from from Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
The Hoot -
10th April 2023 
