‘A wonderful nod to the absolutely fantastic Paul O’Grady’: Eurovision fans in tears as the late Liverpudlian star makes a cameo with his dog in the semi-final credits
Eurovision viewers were in tears when they saw the late Paul O’Grady make a surprise cameo in the semi-final credits.
Paul, who rose to fame as pioneering comedy drag act Lily Savage before becoming one of the country’s most beloved presenters and DJs, tragically passed away in March at the age of 67.
But the TV favorite was remembered on Tuesday night when he appeared with his beloved dog in a segment celebrating Liverpool, where this year’s competition takes place.
Paul starred in the video alongside Paul Hollywood, Ukrainian Strictly dancer Nikita Kuzmin and King Charles and the Queen Consort.
Viewers at home became emotional when they saw Paul again smiling broadly on their TV screens as he mopped the floor with his dog in the other arm.
‘I’m cry!’: Eurovision viewers were in tears when they saw the late Paul O’Grady make a surprise cameo in the semi-final credits
Beloved: Paul, who rose to fame as pioneering comedy drag act Lily Savage before becoming one of the country’s most beloved presenters and DJs, tragically passed away in March at the age of 67
One of them wrote: ‘A wonderful little nod to the wonderful and utterly fantastic Paul O’Grady in the opening titles of the Eurovision Song Contest.’
So nice to see Paul O’Grady in that opening and what an opening trailer that was. Great to see the King and Queen in it too and of course Ukraine the most important part of it all,” added another fan.
“It was very moving to see Paul O’Grady,” another viewer agreed, while others said they were “sobbing already.”
Paul O’Grady and kids in tracksuits holding hands. Already sobbing,” one wrote.
“Paul O’Grady in the opening scene I’m cry,” another viewer added.
The semifinals of the Eurovision Song Contest take place over two days and feature a range of performances, including from Eurovision legends and Ukrainian and British stars.
For the first time in the history of the British Eurovision Song Contest, both semifinals will be presented live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Radio DJs Scott Mills and Rylan will provide the UK public with their colorful commentary, while Alesha Dixon, Julia Sanina and Hannah Waddingham host the semi-final at the M&S Bank Arena. Five acts go home at the end of the show.
Crying: Viewers watching at home got emotional when they saw Paul on their TV screens again, smiling broadly as he mopped the floor with his dog in the other arm
Special: But the TV favorite was remembered on Tuesday night when he appeared with his beloved dog in a segment celebrating Liverpool, where this year’s competition takes place
Talent: Paul Hollywood of Bake Off, a native of Cheshire, iced a cake
Gripping: Ukrainian dancer Nikita Kuzmin, who is a favorite on Strictly, also appeared in the credits
Hosts: Alesha Dixon, Julia Sanina and Hannah Waddingham hosted the semi-final at the M&S Bank Arena
Performance: Norwegian Alessandra sings Queen of Kings during the Eurovision Song Contest
There is also a dedicated commentary team on BBC Radio Merseyside, including Claire Sweeney and the winner of The Voice of Eurovision talent show, who are currently on the lookout for new Liverpool talent.
This year’s grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest has the royal seal of approval. On a visit to the venue, the Liverpool Arena, the King told British contestant Mae Muller that he would “watch with great interest” and “would urge her on”. ‘Thank you. No pressure,” she joked.
At last year’s contest, held in Italy, the UK had their strongest entry in years with Sam Ryder’s Space Man, but no one begrudged the Ukrainians their victory with Kalush Orchestra’s exuberant Stefania.
For the grand final commentary on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, Graham and comedian Mel Giedroyc will take turns in the commentary box to give those watching at home their unique and expert take on the acts of 2023.