Viewers watching the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool were in tears just moments in as the late Paul O'Grady appeared on screen in one of his final TV appearances before he passed away. The Birkenhead-born comedian and TV presenter passed away at his home in Kent on March 28.
The death of the much-loved For The Love of Dogs presenter and Lily Savage star, at the age of 67, was announced as Paul was midway through a UK tour of musical Annie, and just days after he signed a new contract with Boom Radio station.
Tonight (Tuesday May 9) fans were emotional as Paul appeared in a heart-warming sequence to set the stage for Eurovision being hosting in Liverpool on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine. The entertainer appeared in the opening film titled Welcome to Liverpool.
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The film began with the moment a young Liverpudlian boy discovered that his home city was set to host the 2023 contest. He travelled across the city telling his family, friends, neighbours that the world’s greatest music competition was arriving.
Along the way viewers saw some special guests with their own personal connection to Liverpool making their own preparations to welcome Ukraine to the city, including Paul who was cleaning his floor while cradling one of his beloved dogs.
This was one of the last things Paul filmed before he passed away and his appearance in the film was agreed with the blessing of his family and friends. The film then cut to two children in tracksuits, including the boy from the story, with a slowed-down version of Together In Electric Dreams.
@pcsmcr tweeted: "Three minutes into #Eurovision and I’m already bawling - not least due to the poignant opening cameo by my favourite fellow Scouser, Paul O’Grady." @chiara_m00 said: "ALREADY CRYING." And @harrydoyle96 said: "Ok already crying my eyes out.. that opening sequence."
@yolanda_vu_ wrote: "It’s too early to be crying at the opening sequence." And @KOKOMlYA messaged: "Paul O'Grady in the opening sequence i'm crying." And @jasonericf said: "What a sweet little intro."
@Liam_Beattie said: "A gorgeous little nod to the great and utterly fabulous Paul O’Grady in the opening titles." And @gemmanetics wrote: "Paul O’Grady and kids in tracksuits holding hands. Sobbing already."
The video also saw a special guest appearance as the newly-crowned King Charles III and Queen Camilla helping to kick off the contest to the 160 million people watching across the world. Their Majesties unveiled the staging for the contest during a visit to the host city last month.
The other faces that featured in Welcome to Liverpool included Wirral-born baker Paul Hollywood, Ukrainian Everton football star Vitalii Mykolenko, Liverpool FC women's footballers Sofie Lungaard from Denmark and Emma Koivisto from Finland, actor Ricky Tomlinson who revisits his Brookside character Bobby Grant, Ukrainian Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin and Drag Race UK contestant Sister Sister.
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