BBC to air star-studded Blankety Blank episode in memory of Paul O' Grady
A star-studded episode of Blankety Blank will air this weekend in memory of beloved presenter Paul O’Grady, the BBC has announced.
The episode sees the late broadcaster and comedian, who died Tuesday at the age of 67, as his famous drag alter ego Lily Savage.
It also features guest appearances from Davina McCall, Sir Ian McKellen, Gray O’Brien, Rebecca Callard, Sophie Lawrence and Dale Winton.
The episode, Lily Savage’s Blankety Blank, will be broadcast on Saturday, April 1 at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Earlier this week, the BBC announced plans to honour Paul, who presented a show on Radio 2 for 14 years, on the radio channel.
Karren Brady says Radio 2's 'purge of the old-timers' has seriously backfired
Paul O' Grady as Lily Savage in Blankety Blank (BBC)Paul left Radio 2 in August, as he wasn't happy with sharing his slot with comedian Rob Beckett.
The BBC have made a collection of Paul's most memorable radio moments available on BBC Sounds, featuring three classic editions of his Sunday teatime show.
In addition to the special collection, Paul's first Lost TV special will be played on Radio 2 this Sunday April 2 from 8-10pm, with a special introduction from Zoe Ball.
Yesterday, Paul's husband Andre Portasio shared the last-ever picture they took together before he died.
Andre shared the last picture they took together (Instagram)
Paul married true love Andre in 2017 (Can Nguyen/REX/Shutterstock)Two days after the icon's death, Andre took to his Instagram page to post a picture from their last holiday together.
In the photo, the lovely couple smiled at the camera as they relaxed side-by-side on a boat.
The sky was clear and the ocean looked crystal clear as they enjoyed their holiday together.
"In time I hope to write to everyone individually and thank you for all posts, messages, phone calls, emails, cards and flowers of support," he wrote.
"I much appreciate you all taking the time to reach out. I’m so very touched and I’m sure Paul would be too!"
Andre concluded the post: "Browsing for a picture I found the last picture we ever took together. Unbeknownst to us back in January this would be our last ever holiday together."
Paul O'Grady's horror illness which 'finished him off' and caused 'breath to go'
On Tuesday, Andre announced the news of his husband's death with a statement.
He said: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
"We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
Paul as his drag alter-ago Lily Savage (Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock)
Paul died peacefully and unexpectedly aged 67 (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
"I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
Paul and Andre tied the knot at a low-key ceremony in 2017 but the two dated for 11 years before that.
There was an outpouring of tributes following Paul's death, including from Elton John and the Royal Family.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
