Paul O’Grady set to star in film posthumously to mark Eurovision opening

08 May 2023 , 23:22

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The project was one of the final things Paul O'Grady filmed before he passed away (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Paul O’Grady is among a host of famous faces appearing in a special short film to mark the opening of the Eurovision Song Contest and welcome the world to Liverpool.

The late comedian and TV stalwart, originally from Birkenhead, Merseyside, took part in the film to show his pride in his home region – which is taking on competition hosting duties in 2023 on behalf of Ukraine.

The project was one of the last things O’Grady filmed before his death, and his posthumous appearance has been approved by his family and friends.

He died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on March 28 at the age of 67.

The comedian took part in the film that shines a light on Liverpool (ITV)

O’Grady appears in the film, titled Welcome To Liverpool, and is seen preparing his home in anticipation of Eurovision’s arrival, vacuuming while holding one of his beloved dogs.

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His appearance was confirmed by his manager and tweeted by Malcolm Prince, who Paul worked with. He wrote: "There will be a brief clip of Paul in the opening titles of the Eurovision programme at 8.00p.m. on Tues 9th May on BBC One...

"Paul wasn’t a fan of Eurovision as I am sure you all know, but it turned out to be the last bit of filming he did."

Paul's fans quipped the comedian wasn't a fan of the musical contest (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

One fan replied: "Haha I remember going in to radio two to talk to Maria Mc one Eurovision weekend. Paul was clucking about moaning about it all!"

Another said: "I'm sure I can hear his rAAAnt... of alllll the things to be my last recording, it had to be about Eurovision!!!"

Other famous faces include Wirral-born TV baker Paul Hollywood, actor Ricky Tomlinson, Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin and Drag Race UK contestant Sister Sister among others.

Paul will appear in the film poshtumously after passing away in March this year

The film will open the first Eurovision semi-final and the 2023 contest when it airs at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

It begins with the moment a young Liverpudlian boy discovers that his home city is set to host the 2023 contest.

He travels across the city telling his family, friends, neighbours that the world-famous competition is arriving.

The film can now be watched in full online.

Sophie Goodall