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Tag: Paul O’Grady

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  • Icon and legend, Paul O’Grady dies, 67

    Icon and legend, Paul O’Grady dies, 67

    The comedian and presenter Paul O’Grady has passed away at the age of 67, as confirmed by his husband Andre Portasio in a statement.

    O’Grady gained fame in the 1990s through his drag queen persona Lily Savage and went on to host popular TV programs such as Blankety Blank and other light entertainment shows like Blind Date. In the later stages of his career, he became a host of chat shows and showcased his affection for dogs on-screen. According to Mr Portasio, O’Grady passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Tuesday evening. “He will be missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals, and those who appreciated his humor, wit, and empathy.”

    Mr Portasio expressed gratitude on O’Grady’s behalf for the love he received throughout his career.

    Just a few weeks ago, O’Grady had been on tour playing the character Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie. Taking to Instagram after performing in Newcastle, he expressed his delight at playing the role again and working with an “amazing and lovely” cast.

    However, he recently departed from his weekly show on Radio 2 in August 2022, citing his displeasure at sharing his Sunday afternoon slot. O’Grady was also scheduled to present on Boom Radio for Easter Sunday, less than two weeks away from the time of his passing.

    According to O’Grady’s long-time radio producer, Malcolm Prince, he had visited the star on Tuesday afternoon at his residence, where O’Grady seemed to be “laughing, smiling, and full of life.” Prince took to Twitter to express his shock at O’Grady’s passing, stating that O’Grady was proud of his work in Annie, thrilled to be back on Boom Radio, and eagerly anticipating several new projects. Prince also referred to O’Grady as a unique talent and a dear friend.

    On Wednesday, Zoe Ball, during her Radio 2 breakfast show, expressed her and the team’s deep sadness upon hearing the news of O’Grady’s passing. She acknowledged that O’Grady had a special place in the hearts of Radio 2 listeners and the entire team.

    Wirral Star

    Paul O’Grady was born in Birkenhead, Merseyside, in 1955 to a mother whose maiden name was Savage, which is believed to have influenced his famous drag persona. He began performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s and gained widespread recognition by advocating for LGBT issues.

    Savage performed a solo show for eight years at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern. Later, he hosted The Lily Savage Show, a chat show for the BBC, in 1997.

    O’Grady then presented a revamped version of the game show Blankety Blank, which aired until 2002. He later hosted The Paul O’Grady Show, which started on ITV in 2004, then moved to Channel 4 from 2006 to 2009 before being revived again in 2013 for two years on ITV.

    In 2013, guest hosts fronted the chat show when O’Grady had a health scare. He had previously experienced heart attacks in 2002 and 2006, with the latter necessitating intensive care. In 2017, after the death of his friend Cilla Black O’Grady stepped up as the presenter of Blind Date when the show was rebooted on Channel 5.

    Award-winning

    Paul O’Grady had a successful career in television and won numerous awards including a TV Bafta, British Comedy Award and a National Television Award for The Paul O’Grady Show.

    In 2008, he was awarded an MBE for his contribution to the entertainment industry in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. O’Grady had a daughter with his friend Diane Jansen in 1974 and later entered a marriage of convenience with a Portuguese lesbian in 1977, legally divorcing her in 2005.

    He married his husband in a ceremony held in London in 2017. In November, O’Grady was appointed as one of Kent’s deputy lieutenants, a position that involves representing the King at events in the area. O’Grady lived in Aldington, near Ashford.

  • TV show Blind Date to introduce Bisexual daters

    TV show Blind Date to introduce Bisexual daters

    For the first time, Blind Date is introducing an all bisexual dating panel.

    The brand new series of Blind Date will feature a first for the classic TV dating show – a mixed line-up of male and females, as they introduce bisexual daters to the format.

    In an upcoming episode of the show presenter Paul O’Grady will introduce beauty consultant Jordan as he chooses between support worker Lily, model Jesse or French master’s student Zoe.

    This new format element follows the introduction of all-male and all-female line-ups when the series returned in 2017.

    Blind Date presenter Paul O’Grady said, “I’m delighted that Blind Date is continuing to be inclusive by giving a platform to those who identify as bisexual. It was a joy to film and I’m sure Cilla would have been proud”

    In January 2018, Blind Date made history when it hosted an all male, all gay episode of the show.

    Blind Date airs Sunday’s at 8pm on Channel 5, Catch the episode when it airs in May on Channel 5.

  • Blind Date has its first gay episode… ever

    Blind Date is about to air its first-ever gay episode.

    Although this isn’t the first episode featuring an all same-sex line-up – that happened in 2017, it is the first time gay men will take part in the legendary TV show, presented by Paul O’Grady. It’s taken 19 series to get to this point!

    Speaking of the episode, Paul said, “This is another huge milestone for Blind Date and I can’t wait for viewers to see the guys having a blast on screen”.

    Meet 28-year-old Joni, a nightclub host from Newcastle. Joni is titled Mr Gay England 2016 after entering the competition. He uses his title as a platform to help and prevent young suicides in the LGBT community.

    Joni, from Newcastle, is the first gay “chooser” for Blind Date and will have the chance to question three suitors for his blind date.

    Blind Date is hosted by Paul O’Grady, taking over from his late friend, Cilla Black.

    He’ll have the opportunity to question these three lovely lads,

    36-year-old Alex a project manager from Henley On Thames. Alex classes himself as a ‘serial relationshipper’ he would like another relationship but with someone that lasts the distance and he’s hoping Blind Date will find him the one.

    Then there’s Mark. The 29-year-old Case Handler for Airline claims, currently lives in London, but hails from Fife in Scotland.

    Finally, there’s Paul. A 32-year-old Operations Manager from Barbados, living in Birmingham. He describes himself as a ‘full of life’ Barbadian, who loves English men but he just hasn’t got enough of them. He’d like Blind Date to change that and help him find his ‘true love.’

    This episode airs this Saturday at 8 pm on Channel 5.

  • Paul O’Grady Wants The Black Cap Back In Original Form

    Paul O’Grady Wants The Black Cap Back In Original Form

    One of Britain’s most loved TV personalities Paul O’Grady has spoken about how he would love to see The Black Cap reopen as a gay bar.

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  • Sir Ian and Paul O Grady Support Turning The RVT Into A Listed Building

    The action plan to turn the iconic Royal Vauxhall Tavern into a listed building has being given celebrity backing as Sir Ian McKellen and Paul O’Grady put their weight behind the campaign.

    Many of London’s gay venues have closed recently forcing the iconic RVT to seek landmark status as a listed building, which could protect it from redevelopment.

    In recent years over ten LGBT venues have shuttered.

    New York’s Stonewall Inn was awarded Landmark Status in recognition of its role in LGBT+ history.

    The application for listed status was made by RVT Future, a group of performers, producers and punters concerned by the RVT’s purchase by property developers last year. The new owners have refused to discuss plans with the community about the fate of the RVT.

    McKellen and O’Grady are among more than 30 performers, producers, local residents, LGBT+ charities, architects, historians and politicians who have written to Historic England (formerly English Heritage) to back the listing application made by RVT Future, a group of performers, producers and punters concerned by the RVT’s purchase by property developers last year.

    The pub’s local vicar is on board with the campaign too.

    O’Grady notes that following the closure of LGBT+ spaces across London, including the Black Cap in Camden, Madame Jojo’s in Soho and the Joiners Arms in Hackney, the RVT “is now one of the few remaining venues to showcase new and old talent every week”.

    He believes the Tavern “should be offered protection to withstand today’s developers… Without listing the threat to its future is all too real. With listing I know the community will rally round and ensure it remains an important venue for many decades to come.”

    Sir Ian McKellen has also written to Historic England to support the application. “I support the campaign to grant the Royal Vauxhall Tavern listed status”, says Sir Ian.

    McKellen was among the founders of Stonewall UK in 1989 and is himself co-owner of a listed pub, The
    Grapes in Limehouse.

    The Tavern was built on the former grounds of the Vauxhall pleasure gardens around 1862, and has been a site of LGBT+ community and culture since the 1950s, if not earlier. The RVT featured in last year’s international hit film Pride, ‘playing itself’ as a hub of community activism.

    A number of venues in recent years have closed, these include: The Black Cap, Barcode Vauxhall, Candy BAr, Covert, Escape, Madame Jo Jos, Green Carnation, Joiners Arms, Lo Profile, Profile Bar, Oak Bar,

  • Celebs And Straight Allies Win Big At ‘Britain’s Gay Oscars’

    QPR footballer Joey Barton won the coveted Straight Ally of the Year gong at the Out In The City & G3 Magazine Awards last night (25 April 2014).

    The glitzy ceremony, dubbed Britain’s ‘gay Oscars’ took place at London’s Landmark Hotel.

    Gay celebrities and their ‘straight allies’ were recognised for their commitment to equality after a vote by readers of the popular gay magazines.

    Barton, who has campaigned to eradicate homophobia from football, was a surprise winner on the night. He beat off tough competition from rugby legend and Strictly Come Dancing star Ben Cohen, breakfast TV presenter Lorraine Kelly and Ab Fab star Jennifer Saunders for the honour. Barton attended the awards with his openly gay uncle, Tom Barton.

    Other winners included Olympic diver Tom Daley who won the Sports Personality of the Year award, TV presenter Paul O’Grady was named Celebrity of the Year and Graham Norton secured the Broadcaster of the Year accolade.

    Holly Johnson who shot to fame as the frontman of 80’s pop group Frankie Goes to Hollywood won the Lifetime Achievement honour while Hollyoaks’ actor, Kieron Richardson won the Rising Star
    award.

    Celebrities including Cilla Black, Denise Welsh, Sinitta, Gareth Thomas and TOWIE favourites Sam Fairs and Charlie King were among the 300 VIP guests at the glitzy red carpet event.

  • TV’s Paul O’Grady to lead Russia protest in London

    TV star Paul O’Grady is to lead Russia Protest In London tonight.

    Tonight’s protest will be at Downing Street from 6PM

    Travel Stikes Threatens Success Of Protest

    Keep up-to-date with TheGayUK

    The protest has been organised by the international LGBT pressure group, All Out, and the Peter Tatchell Foundation.

    In London protesters are expected to gather near downing street from 6:00PM. the events have been created by mass petitioning site AllOut.org. Organisers are asking attendees to wear red.

    ‘Our protest is urging the British and Russian governments, and the International Olympic Committee, to uphold Principle 6 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits discrimination. We are also calling on Olympic corporate sponsors – such as Coca Cola, McDonalds and Visa – to speak out against Russia’s anti-gay law and homophobic violence. So far, they have failed to do so,’
    noted protest co-organiser and speaker, Peter Tatchell, Director of the human rights organisation, the Peter Tatchell Foundation.

    For travel updates go to our Gay Protest Travel Update page

    TheGayUK will be Live Blogging from 6:00PM tonight

  • Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Dogs

    If there’s one thing that’ll tug at the nation’s heart strings it’s celebrities with animals.

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