Paul O'Grady made a poignant final TV appearance in the Eurovision semi-final tonight as he appeared in an emotional opening video celebrating the city.
The Birkenhead-born star, famous for his drag persona Lily Savage, featured in the 'Welcome to Liverpool' film that raised the curtain for the first televised Eurovision 2023 show at the M&S Bank Arena.
The bittersweet clip shows him holding one of his beloved dogs while mopping the floor as part of a montage showing Liverpool getting ready to host the competition. He then looks directly into the camera with a smile and a twinkle in his eye.
The BBC said it was one of the last things he filmed before he passed away aged 67 in March, and was included with the blessing of his family and friends.
The broadcaster said: "Paul took part in this film as he wanted to mark his pride in his home region of Liverpool hosting the contest on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine." You can watch the full film below.
The film opens with a little boy watching TV and seeing Graham Norton announce the news that his home city of Liverpool is to host the Eurovision Song Contest, with last year's winner Ukraine unable to host due to the war with Russia.
He excitedly tells his mum before jumping on his bike to spread the word. The montage then shows Liverpool's preparations to host the event in a series of shots showing famous local landmarks being scrubbed, spruced up and strung with bunting in the blue and yellow of the Ukraine flag.
Merseyside sights getting a starring role include Sefton Park Palm House, the Cavern Club, the Empire Anthony Gormley's Another Place statues in Crosby, Speke Hall, the Albert Dock, Goodison Park, Anfield, the Chinese Arch and the Royal Philharmonic toilets.
Famous folk who appear alongside Paul include Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson, who is shown revisiting his Brookside character Bobby Grant as he decorates a house on Brookside Close; Wirral-born Great British Bake Off star Paul Hollywood, who is seen icing and slicing a cake for the celebrations; and Drag Race UK contestant Sister Sister.
Ukraine is represented by Everton footballer Vitalii Mykolenko and Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin, while Liverpool FC women's footballers Sofie Lungaard, from Denmark, and Emma Koivisto, from Finland, represent some of the other competing countries.
The film ends with the young boy sitting down in his home to watch Tuesday’s first semi final before he is magically transported through to the arena to take part in the opening act.
Reacting to Paul O'Grady's appearance, user @SamAychG said: "Just burst into tears at the sight of Paul O’Grady."
User @badlydrawnroy said: "NOT THE PAUL O'GRADY CAMEO I'M WELLING UP." Ashley said: "Paul O’Grady being in the intro has absolutely set me off."
Cass tweeted: "Crying already because Paul O'Grady appearance in this opening." And Kathryn said: "Absolutely love they have shown Paul O’Grady! What a tribute."
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