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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Lisa McLoughlin

Queen Camilla pays tribute to late Paul O'Grady alongside celeb pals for Christmas radio show

Queen Camilla has paid tribute to Paul O'Grady in a special radio show that will air on Christmas Day.

The comedian, who died suddenly in March, was well known for his Christmas Day broadcast, which he had hosted for 14 years on Boom Radio.  

Now in his memory, a whole host of famous faces, including the royal, have come together to remember the star for Paul O'Grady The Musical Celebration, which will air between 12-2pm.

Aside from showcasing music from his favourite artists, it will also include exclusive tributes from his daughter Sharon Mousley, comedian Dawn French and singer Michael Buble - as well as a letter written by Camilla, which was originally read out at his Memorial Service.

Julian Clary will read the heartfelt tribute on behalf of the royal which details how she “misses him very much”.

Her letter reads: “I miss Paul very much. I had the pleasure of knowing him for many years, laughing at his waspish way with words and endlessly touched by the kindness of his heart.

O'Grady passed away suddenly in March (ITV)

“He was the most welcome guest at any event, from glamorous parties to private visits to our beloved Battersea, and was loved by one and all.

“Perhaps this is no surprise. After all, there are no finer judges of character than dogs, and about Paul, they were unanimous in their devotion, as were we all.”

The 76-year-old grew close to O’Grady because of their patronage of animal welfare charity, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Elsewhere in the broadcast, O’Grady’s daughter Sharon Mousley remembers the star and his love of Elvis.

She shares: “When I hear Abel's ringtone, I think dad is going to walk in the room. When dad used to take [his grandson] Abel out in the car, he'd play Trouble by Elvis.

“Now Abel has that as his ringtone on his phone, and my dad used to have it on his phone. When I hear Abel's phone ring, for a split second, I think my dad's gonna walk into the room and say, 'Who's that on the phone?'

“I asked my children what memories they had of Paul. And Halo said the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse March as they used to dance to that in his bedroom.

“My dad absolutely loved music and he's left me with a lot of great memories. I remember going to the press night of Cilla at the Liverpool Empire.

“It got a little sad before the show when the actress who played Cilla started to sing Alfie. And I said, 'don't make me cry'. And he went, 'you're setting me off'. I think I got to bed about four o'clock in the morning after a few more ciders!

“But we didn't end up in a skip. So, when I hear that song, it reminds me of him.”

Singer Michael Bublé described O’Grady as “the master of romance” in his piece and fondly remembered they’re on-screen interactions.

He shared: “There are so many words I could use to describe Paul O'Grady; generous, humble, funny, kind, empathetic, romantic.

“I thought I was well versed in the art of romance until I was stopped in my tracks by the master himself, Paul, who chose to shamelessly flirt with me with abandon while I was on stage for my first An Audience With.

“I was blushing for the full hour on national TV. I've got to be honest with you guys; I loved every single second!

“I miss you so much, Paul. Thank you for making the world a better place. I love you.”

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