Denise Welch has fondly recalled something that went on behind the scenes at ITV many years ago involving Paul O'Grady, as the TV icon risked chaos on Loose Women with something he did to friend Cilla Black.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, the sad news broke that much loved entertainer and national treasure Paul had passed away at the age of 67, with Paul's husband Andre Portasio telling the world: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening. We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion. I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
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In the hours leading up to Wednesday's Loose Women, Paul's death dominated proceedings on other ITV shows and the lunchtime talk show was no different, with host Christine Lampard launching straight into tributes as cameras rolled at 12.30pm.
The episode began with a montage of clips from Paul's appearances on the show and it was then that Denise let the cat out of the bag on something that happened backstage when showbiz legend Cilla was drafted in as a last minute guest on Loose Women.
Denise explained that Cilla was already in the building with Paul, who was getting ready to film his own ITV series, when a Loose Women guest pulled out of their interview and the Blind Date legend was called in.
But, not wasting the opportunity to cause a bit of a havoc at his dear friend's expense, Denise revealed that Paul "plied Cilla with champagne and didn't tell her," so, by the time, she joined the Loose Women panel for a chat live on air, she was, in Denise's words "absolutely hammered."
Elaborating on what happened, Denise added: "At one point Andrea McLean (host) went 'What's wrong with Cilla?' because her false eyelash with gradually coming down her face and Paul O'Grady thought it was the best thing ever in the entire world! He had such a cheeky sense of humour."
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