Fans of the Eurovision Song Contest have been left feeling emotional after a clip of the late Paul O’Grady was shown during the first semi-finals.
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The performance is believed to be O’Grady’s last television appearance and was shared during the semi-final rounds of the iconic singing competition, following permission being granted from his family.
The actor, comedian and television presenter was much-loved for his show For The Love Of Dogs, as well as for his frequent pantomime performances and long-running character Lily Savage. His death was confirmed earlier this year (March 28).
The news of his passing came midway through the ongoing UK tour of musical Annie, which he was starring in, and just days after he signed a new contract with Boom Radio station. From there, countless fans took to social media to pay their respects and donated to the Battersea Cats & Dogs Home in his memory.
Now, fans of the late comedian have been left feeling tearful after his final television appearance aired last night (May 9), in a heart-warming sequence to set the stage for Eurovision 2023, which is being held in Liverpool.
Titled ‘Welcome To Liverpool’, the short film began with a young Liverpudlian boy realising that the Song Contest would be appearing in his hometown and travelling across the city to tell his friends and family.
O’Grady’s appearance in the clip was brief, showing him cleaning his house while cradling one of his many beloved dogs. “3 minutes into Eurovision and I’m already bawling – not least due to the poignant opening cameo by my favourite fellow Scouser, Paul O’Grady,” wrote one user upon seeing the clip.
Another added: “If you’re not crying at those kids, Paul O’Grady, Bobby Grant’s Ukrainian bunting and Nikita dancing in the opener, you’re unfeeling,” to which another user agreed: “Oh I definitely was crying.” Find more viewer reactions below.
3 minutes into #Eurovision and I’m already bawling – not least due to the poignant opening cameo by my favourite fellow Scouser, Paul O’Grady
— Paul (@pcsmcr) May 9, 2023
Ok already crying my eyes out.. that opening sequence
#Eurovision
— Harry Doyle
(@harrydoyle96) May 9, 2023
A gorgeous little nod to the great and utterly fabulous Paul O’Grady in the opening titles to #Eurovision
pic.twitter.com/UgB1l5fTzJ
— Liam Beattie (@Liam_Beattie) May 9, 2023
It’s too early to be crying at the opening sequence #Eurovision #SBSEurovision
— Yolanda (@yolanda_vu_) May 9, 2023
ALREADY CRYING #Eurovision
— chiara
(@chiara_m00) May 9, 2023
If you’re not crying at those kids, Paul O’Grady, Bobby Grant’s Ukrainian bunting and Nikita dancing in the opener, you’re unfeeling #Eurovision2023
— Hilary Stephenson (@Hilaryonline) May 9, 2023
Oh I definitely was crying
#Eurovision2023
— SandraJ Hair/Makeup
(@sandrajonesxx) May 9, 2023
Paul O'Grady recorded this sequence earlier this year. Missing him. #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/nYk2wz2fQc
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) May 9, 2023
Honestly the first semifinal has been on for 30 minutes and it’s already iconic and so gorgeously done.
Hannah Waddingham speaking French: sexy
Alesha Dixon rapping: iconic
Paul O’Grady in the intro: sobbing#eurovision— Ashley (@AshleyJamesH) May 9, 2023
Nobody told me the #Eurovision semi-finals would be so emosh. Already had a video of Paul O'Grady! pic.twitter.com/gM2faCg3Vg
— Jono (@jonoread) May 9, 2023
That was a sweet opener. (From the preview last night.) A big aww went up when we saw Paul O'Grady in the VT.#Eurovision2023 #Eurovision #UnitedByMusic #EurovisionSemiFinal pic.twitter.com/T1aYxGItsJ
— Matthew Rimmer (@MatthewRimmer) May 9, 2023
Lovely lovely touch including Paul O’Grady in the opening montage. #Eurovision
— Jason Reid (@JasonReidUK) May 9, 2023
Following news of his death, countless members of the entrainment world came forward to pay tribute to the late presenter, including Sir Elton John, Joe Lycett and Ant and Dec.
“Saddening news to hear of Paul O’Grady’s passing this morning,” Sir Elton wrote in his tribute. “A brilliant entertainer, wit, and supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and the fight against AIDS and HIV who I was fortunate enough to spend time with… Thank you for all the joy you brought into the world, Paul. You went places nobody had gone before and we will miss you very much.”
The Eurovision Song Contest is set to continue throughout this week, with the grand finale taking place on Saturday (May 13). Representing the UK this year is 25-year-old singer Mae Muller, who will be performing her track ‘I Wrote A Song’.
The post Eurovision fans left tearful after Paul O’Grady’s final TV appearance appeared first on NME.
