The BBC have unveiled their plans to honour former employee Paul O'Grady on Radio 2 this weekend, following the legendary entertainer's death at the age of 67 on Tuesday night.
Paul hosted an extremely popular show on the station prior to his departure from the BBC last year, with the much-loved star revealing his reasons for quitting with listeners during an emotional final show in August.
The Lily Savage icon had been due to return to the airwaves on Boom Radio on Easter Sunday, seven months on from his BBC exit.
Paul's husband Andre Portasio announced the star's 'unexpected but peaceful death' in the early hours this morning, with tributes from Paul's famous friends and fans flooding in throughout the day.
The BBC this evening announced a special collection of Paul's most memorable radio moments is now available to listen to online, with a special broadcast scheduled for Sunday night.
In tribute to Paul O’Grady, the Remembering Paul O’Grady collection is now available to hear on BBC Sounds featuring three classic editions of his Sunday teatime show.
"Paul celebrates Crossroads’ 50th anniversary: On the 50th anniversary of its first broadcast, Paul is joined by some of the stars from the long-running TV soap Crossroads, including Tony Adams and Jane Rossington, who played Adam and Jill Chance, plus Sue Hanson who played Miss Diane and Paul Henry who played Benny.
"Paul’s first Lost TV special: Introduced by Zoe Ball, this is another chance to hear Paul's first Lost TV Themes special from 2014 featuring themes from The Avengers, Rupert The Bear, The Wombles, White Horses and many more. This programme will also be broadcast on Radio 2 on Sunday 2nd April (8-10pm).
"Paul’s second Lost TV special: This is another chance to hear his Second Annual Lost TV Themes Special with themes from The Protectors, The Flashing Blade, Bread, Dick Turpin, The Hair Bear Bunch, The Champions, Van Der Valk, Tiswas and Crown Court. Plus Triples starring the TV themes of composers Simon May and Ron Grainer."
In addition to the special collection, Paul's first Lost TV special will be played on Radio 2 this Sunday 2nd April from 8-10pm, with a special introduction from Zoe Ball.
Paul revealed the real reason behind his BBC Radio 2 exit ahead of presenting his final show last year.
The broadcaster, 67, took to the airwaves one last time on August 14 , following his shock announcement he would be leaving his popular slot earlier this week and speculation surrounding his departure.
Paul admitted he "wasn't really happy" with controversial changes at the BBC station - including sharing his show on a '13 weeks on, 13 weeks off' basis with comedian Rob Beckett.
Speaking to his Instagram followers shortly before hosting his show one final time, Paul confessed: "And the reason I'm leaving because everybody's asked me this. It's because I wasn't really happy with the 13 weeks on/13 weeks off business.
"So, I did the honourable thing and I honoured my contract, gave my notice and now I'm off.
"Anyway, thanks very much and good luck to everyone on Radio 2 and long may you continue!"
The BBC paid tribute to Paul earlier today, with Lorna Clarke, director of music at the BBC saying the corporation was "shocked and saddened" by the star's passing.
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