2023 has already given us series 15’s perfect line-up – a gem of a season with Jenny Eclair’s endless joy, Kiell Smith-Bynoe’s cheeky competitiveness, Mae Martin’s cool smarts, Frankie Boyle’s affable bemusement and Ivo Graham’s adorable self-loathing keeping us laughing all the way through to summer.
And there’s not long to wait now until series 16 arrives. The new run of 10 episodes is confirmed to start airing weekly on Channel 4 and Channel4.com from Thursday September 21 at 9pm. That means – interruptions notwithstanding – the series finale should arrive on Thursday November 23, which is traditionally when the next line-up is announced.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. The series 16 Taskmaster line-up comes first and back in June, was confirmed as comprising Julian Clary, Lucy Beaumont, Sue Perkins, Susan Wokoma and Sam Campbell.
Let’s have a quick refresher on where we’ve seen the series 16 contestants before:...
And there’s not long to wait now until series 16 arrives. The new run of 10 episodes is confirmed to start airing weekly on Channel 4 and Channel4.com from Thursday September 21 at 9pm. That means – interruptions notwithstanding – the series finale should arrive on Thursday November 23, which is traditionally when the next line-up is announced.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. The series 16 Taskmaster line-up comes first and back in June, was confirmed as comprising Julian Clary, Lucy Beaumont, Sue Perkins, Susan Wokoma and Sam Campbell.
Let’s have a quick refresher on where we’ve seen the series 16 contestants before:...
- 9/6/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Ah, Ready Steady Cook – you were a product of simpler times. The BBC’s teatime TV cooking show saw two contestants bring along a bag of ingredients, team up with a celebrity chef, (becoming Team Green Pepper and Team Red Tomato) and spend 20 minutes transforming what they’d brought into a tasty dinner.
They only had a maximum budget of £5 (which these days would probably only stretch to half a cucumber and a pot noodle) so the dishes weren’t fancy – none of this nonsense about serving some daft gravy-with-notions and calling it a ‘jus’. No, the likes of Ainsley Harriott or Anthony Worrall Thompson usually just hastily assembled a lasagne, and then the audience voted for a winner – and by ‘vote’, we mean they lifted up a picture of a green pepper or a red tomato.
It was sweet, harmless daytime TV, so when they decided to introduce a celebrity version,...
They only had a maximum budget of £5 (which these days would probably only stretch to half a cucumber and a pot noodle) so the dishes weren’t fancy – none of this nonsense about serving some daft gravy-with-notions and calling it a ‘jus’. No, the likes of Ainsley Harriott or Anthony Worrall Thompson usually just hastily assembled a lasagne, and then the audience voted for a winner – and by ‘vote’, we mean they lifted up a picture of a green pepper or a red tomato.
It was sweet, harmless daytime TV, so when they decided to introduce a celebrity version,...
- 5/31/2023
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
Al Pacino has teasingly taken credit for Harrison Ford’s illustrious career.
Before Ford became known globally as rebel hero Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise, it appears the Millennium Falcon spaceship could’ve had a different pilot.
During an event in New York on Wednesday (19 April), Pacino revealed he had originally been offered Ford’s role in the sci-fi fantasy.
“When I first came up, I was the new kid on the block, you know what happens when you first become famous,” The Godfather star told the audience per Variety. “It’s like, ‘Give it to Al.’ They’d give me Queen Elizabeth to play.”
Pacino said he was given a “script called Star Wars” and had been offered “so much money”.
The 82-year-old Scarface actor explained that he “read it” but “didn’t understand it”.
“So I said I couldn’t do it,” Pacino said. “I turned down Star Wars.
Before Ford became known globally as rebel hero Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise, it appears the Millennium Falcon spaceship could’ve had a different pilot.
During an event in New York on Wednesday (19 April), Pacino revealed he had originally been offered Ford’s role in the sci-fi fantasy.
“When I first came up, I was the new kid on the block, you know what happens when you first become famous,” The Godfather star told the audience per Variety. “It’s like, ‘Give it to Al.’ They’d give me Queen Elizabeth to play.”
Pacino said he was given a “script called Star Wars” and had been offered “so much money”.
The 82-year-old Scarface actor explained that he “read it” but “didn’t understand it”.
“So I said I couldn’t do it,” Pacino said. “I turned down Star Wars.
- 4/21/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Film
Al Pacino has teasingly taken credit for Harrison Ford’s illustrious career.
Before Ford became known globally as rebel hero Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise, it appears the Millennium Falcon spaceship could’ve had a different pilot.
During an event in New York on Wednesday (19 April), Pacino revealed he had originally been offered Ford’s role in the sci-fi fantasy.
“When I first came up, I was the new kid on the block, you know what happens when you first become famous,” The Godfather star told the audience per Variety. “It’s like, ‘Give it to Al.’ They’d give me Queen Elizabeth to play.”
Pacino said he was given a “script called Star Wars” and had been offered “so much money”.
The 82-year-old Scarface actor explained that he “read it” but “didn’t understand it”.
“So I said I couldn’t do it,” Pacino said. “I turned down Star Wars.
Before Ford became known globally as rebel hero Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise, it appears the Millennium Falcon spaceship could’ve had a different pilot.
During an event in New York on Wednesday (19 April), Pacino revealed he had originally been offered Ford’s role in the sci-fi fantasy.
“When I first came up, I was the new kid on the block, you know what happens when you first become famous,” The Godfather star told the audience per Variety. “It’s like, ‘Give it to Al.’ They’d give me Queen Elizabeth to play.”
Pacino said he was given a “script called Star Wars” and had been offered “so much money”.
The 82-year-old Scarface actor explained that he “read it” but “didn’t understand it”.
“So I said I couldn’t do it,” Pacino said. “I turned down Star Wars.
- 4/21/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Film
Netflix has received a notable addition to its service.
Among the wide range of original titles on the streaming platform this month is a licensed acquisition that users have been waiting more than a year for.
Typically on Netflix, the most recent season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine has been added between January and March.
However, the eighth and final season of the sitcom, which aired in the US in 2021, never arrived in 2022.
This was most likely due to the fact that the show’s network, NBC, had exclusive rights to feature the series on its specialised streaming service, Peacock.
Fortunately, enough time has passed for the 10-episode final season to be added to Netflix. It arrived on Thursday (20 April)
“Hmpfh! Took you long enough,” one user wrote, with another adding: “About time!!!”
“Took long enough, the show ended in 2021,” one user stated.
The series, which first aired in 2013, stars Andy Samberg as a police detective,...
Among the wide range of original titles on the streaming platform this month is a licensed acquisition that users have been waiting more than a year for.
Typically on Netflix, the most recent season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine has been added between January and March.
However, the eighth and final season of the sitcom, which aired in the US in 2021, never arrived in 2022.
This was most likely due to the fact that the show’s network, NBC, had exclusive rights to feature the series on its specialised streaming service, Peacock.
Fortunately, enough time has passed for the 10-episode final season to be added to Netflix. It arrived on Thursday (20 April)
“Hmpfh! Took you long enough,” one user wrote, with another adding: “About time!!!”
“Took long enough, the show ended in 2021,” one user stated.
The series, which first aired in 2013, stars Andy Samberg as a police detective,...
- 4/21/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Al Pacino has teasingly taken credit for Harrison Ford’s illustrious career.
Before Ford became known globally as rebel hero Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise, it appears the Millennium Falcon spaceship could’ve had a different pilot.
During an event in New York on Wednesday (19 April), Pacino revealed he had originally been offered Ford’s role in the sci-fi fantasy.
“When I first came up, I was the new kid on the block, you know what happens when you first become famous,” The Godfather star told the audience per Variety. “It’s like, ‘Give it to Al.’ They’d give me Queen Elizabeth to play.”
Pacino said he was given a “script called Star Wars” and had been offered “so much money”.
The 82-year-old Scarface actor explained that he “read it” but “didn’t understand it”.
“So I said I couldn’t do it,” Pacino said. “I turned down Star Wars.
Before Ford became known globally as rebel hero Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise, it appears the Millennium Falcon spaceship could’ve had a different pilot.
During an event in New York on Wednesday (19 April), Pacino revealed he had originally been offered Ford’s role in the sci-fi fantasy.
“When I first came up, I was the new kid on the block, you know what happens when you first become famous,” The Godfather star told the audience per Variety. “It’s like, ‘Give it to Al.’ They’d give me Queen Elizabeth to play.”
Pacino said he was given a “script called Star Wars” and had been offered “so much money”.
The 82-year-old Scarface actor explained that he “read it” but “didn’t understand it”.
“So I said I couldn’t do it,” Pacino said. “I turned down Star Wars.
- 4/20/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Film
An Avengers: Endgame deleted scene could prove that a popular theory about the villain Thanos (Josh Brolin) has been true all along.
The clip, which you can watch on streaming service Disney Plus, is an alternate version of a conversation between Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) featured in the film.
Swinton’s character can be seen telling Hulk that removing an Infinity Stone creates a new timeline. However, she then goes on to reveal something that was omitted from the film – that she’s already used the Time Stone to see beyond her very own death.
It’s here where she drops the huge revelation that Thanos’s destructive finger-snap, which wiped out half of all existence, didn’t actually kill a single person.
She explains that, rather than kill people, Thanos willed them out of existence, which is what made their eventual resurrection possible.
While...
The clip, which you can watch on streaming service Disney Plus, is an alternate version of a conversation between Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) featured in the film.
Swinton’s character can be seen telling Hulk that removing an Infinity Stone creates a new timeline. However, she then goes on to reveal something that was omitted from the film – that she’s already used the Time Stone to see beyond her very own death.
It’s here where she drops the huge revelation that Thanos’s destructive finger-snap, which wiped out half of all existence, didn’t actually kill a single person.
She explains that, rather than kill people, Thanos willed them out of existence, which is what made their eventual resurrection possible.
While...
- 4/20/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
Paul O’Grady has ben laid to rest in a private ceremony featuring a special tribute from dogs from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
The TV icon, who rose to fame as his drag queen alter ego Lily Savage before going on to host a string of TV shows, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” at home last month aged 67.
His funeral took place this afternoon and featured a guard of honour with dogs, in a special nod to O’Grady’s work as an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2012. He rehomed five dogs while filming his ITV series Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs.
Local fans lined the streets to pay their respects as O’Grady’s coffin was led through his home town of Aldington in Kent. Stars in attendance at the funeral included Ronnie Wood, Alan Carr, Gaby Roslin, Jo Brand, and Julian Clary.
It comes after...
The TV icon, who rose to fame as his drag queen alter ego Lily Savage before going on to host a string of TV shows, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” at home last month aged 67.
His funeral took place this afternoon and featured a guard of honour with dogs, in a special nod to O’Grady’s work as an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2012. He rehomed five dogs while filming his ITV series Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs.
Local fans lined the streets to pay their respects as O’Grady’s coffin was led through his home town of Aldington in Kent. Stars in attendance at the funeral included Ronnie Wood, Alan Carr, Gaby Roslin, Jo Brand, and Julian Clary.
It comes after...
- 4/20/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy and Liam James
- The Independent - TV
A new “trailer” for Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon has gone viral.
The director’s next film, an adaptation of David Grann’s best-selling book of the same name, was first announced in 2018.
Shortly after filming began in 2021, a still was released by Apple TV Plus depicting Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone as Ernest Burkhart and his wife Mollie, respectively.
To date, this image is the only one to have been released despite the fact the film will premiere at Cannes in May. A theatrical and streaming release will follow in October and November.
Twitter user @KevinGeeksOut shared a fake trailer featuring an extended look at the still as the dramatic score of 2001 film The American Astronaut plays.
“I knew what was going to happen but still I laughed,” one person said of the fake trailer, with another agreeing: “I knew it was coming, but I still laughed.
The director’s next film, an adaptation of David Grann’s best-selling book of the same name, was first announced in 2018.
Shortly after filming began in 2021, a still was released by Apple TV Plus depicting Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone as Ernest Burkhart and his wife Mollie, respectively.
To date, this image is the only one to have been released despite the fact the film will premiere at Cannes in May. A theatrical and streaming release will follow in October and November.
Twitter user @KevinGeeksOut shared a fake trailer featuring an extended look at the still as the dramatic score of 2001 film The American Astronaut plays.
“I knew what was going to happen but still I laughed,” one person said of the fake trailer, with another agreeing: “I knew it was coming, but I still laughed.
- 4/20/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
All criminal charges against Alec Baldwin have been dropped, his attorneys say, weeks before the trial over the fatal shooting of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was set to begin.
Paperwork to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin is expected to be filed soon by newly appointed special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis, per reports.
Law enforcement will continue to investigate how the events of the tragic October 2021 day unfolded, meaning that the case could be reopened in future.
“We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,” Baldwin’s attorneys Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro said in a statement.
The Independent has contacted the Santa Fe District Attorney for further comment.
Baldwin’s co-defendant and ex-Rust armourer Hannah Guiterrez-Reed, is still facing criminal charges at current. The two previously pleaded not guilty.
Paperwork to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin is expected to be filed soon by newly appointed special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis, per reports.
Law enforcement will continue to investigate how the events of the tragic October 2021 day unfolded, meaning that the case could be reopened in future.
“We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,” Baldwin’s attorneys Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro said in a statement.
The Independent has contacted the Santa Fe District Attorney for further comment.
Baldwin’s co-defendant and ex-Rust armourer Hannah Guiterrez-Reed, is still facing criminal charges at current. The two previously pleaded not guilty.
- 4/20/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Film
An Avengers: Endgame deleted scene could prove that a popular theory about the villain Thanos (Josh Brolin) has been true all along.
The clip, which you can watch on streaming service Disney Plus, is an alternate version of a conversation between Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) featured in the film.
Swinton’s character can be seen telling Hulk that removing an Infinity Stone creates a new timeline. However, she then goes on to reveal something that was omitted from the film – that she’s already used the Time Stone to see beyond her very own death.
It’s here where she drops the huge revelation that Thanos’s destructive finger-snap, which wiped out half of all existence, didn’t actually kill a single person.
She explains that, rather than kill people, Thanos willed them out of existence, which is what made their eventual resurrection possible.
While...
The clip, which you can watch on streaming service Disney Plus, is an alternate version of a conversation between Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) featured in the film.
Swinton’s character can be seen telling Hulk that removing an Infinity Stone creates a new timeline. However, she then goes on to reveal something that was omitted from the film – that she’s already used the Time Stone to see beyond her very own death.
It’s here where she drops the huge revelation that Thanos’s destructive finger-snap, which wiped out half of all existence, didn’t actually kill a single person.
She explains that, rather than kill people, Thanos willed them out of existence, which is what made their eventual resurrection possible.
While...
- 4/20/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
Netflix has received a notable addition to its service.
Among the wide range of original titles on the streaming platform this month is a licensed acquisition that users have been waiting more than a year for.
Typically on Netflix, the most recent season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine has been added between January and March.
However, the eighth and final season of the sitcom, which aired in the US in 2021, never arrived in 2022.
This was most likely due to the fact that the show’s network, NBC, had exclusive rights to feature the series on its specialised streaming service, Peacock.
Fortunately, enough time has passed for the 10-episode final season to be added to Netflix. It arrived on Thursday (20 April)
“Hmpfh! Took you long enough,” one user wrote, with another adding: “About time!!!”
“Took long enough, the show ended in 2021,” one user stated.
The series, which first aired in 2013, stars Andy Samberg as a police detective,...
Among the wide range of original titles on the streaming platform this month is a licensed acquisition that users have been waiting more than a year for.
Typically on Netflix, the most recent season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine has been added between January and March.
However, the eighth and final season of the sitcom, which aired in the US in 2021, never arrived in 2022.
This was most likely due to the fact that the show’s network, NBC, had exclusive rights to feature the series on its specialised streaming service, Peacock.
Fortunately, enough time has passed for the 10-episode final season to be added to Netflix. It arrived on Thursday (20 April)
“Hmpfh! Took you long enough,” one user wrote, with another adding: “About time!!!”
“Took long enough, the show ended in 2021,” one user stated.
The series, which first aired in 2013, stars Andy Samberg as a police detective,...
- 4/20/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Succession fans have found delight in how a scene from season one appeared to eerily foreshadow Elon Musk’s Starship mishap.
On Thursday (20 April), the SpaceX boss launched the company’s Starship rocket for the first time. But before the world’s biggest and most powerful rocket was able to reach space, it exploded in mid-flight. No crew were on board.
Hours following Musk’s failed launch, HBO tweeted a single photo of character Roman Roy (Kieran Culkin), staring at his reflection in a bathroom mirror, with no context.
Several fans immediately understood what the post was alluding to. “I see what you did there,” one replied.
“HBO taking a dig at the Space X launch disaster today,” a second wrote.
A third commented: “I love that I saw this and correctly assumed Spacex must’ve exploded something.”
“When I heard the news of the rocket launch today, I flashed...
On Thursday (20 April), the SpaceX boss launched the company’s Starship rocket for the first time. But before the world’s biggest and most powerful rocket was able to reach space, it exploded in mid-flight. No crew were on board.
Hours following Musk’s failed launch, HBO tweeted a single photo of character Roman Roy (Kieran Culkin), staring at his reflection in a bathroom mirror, with no context.
Several fans immediately understood what the post was alluding to. “I see what you did there,” one replied.
“HBO taking a dig at the Space X launch disaster today,” a second wrote.
A third commented: “I love that I saw this and correctly assumed Spacex must’ve exploded something.”
“When I heard the news of the rocket launch today, I flashed...
- 4/20/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - TV
Selma Blair has revealed she hid her multiple sclerosis (Ms) symptoms on the set of 2004’s Hellboy for fear of being labelled an “insurance risk”.
Blair played firestarter Liz Sherman in the 2004 original movie – written and directed by Oscar-winner Guillermo del Toro – alongside Ron Perlman in the titular role.
Blair received her Ms diagnosis in 2018 after many years of illness.
In a new interview with British Vogue, she recalled being terrified that her maladies, which she didn’t realise were related to Ms at the time, would “remove me from the workforce”.
“Sets were excruciating sometimes with the exhaustion and the tics,” Blair said. “I took benzos and Klonopin [a medication used to prevent seizures and anxiety disorders]. I didn’t abuse those things, just alcohol. But I was lost and sad and could hardly ever smile. Hence my roles, I imagine.”
She continued: “I remember [feeling] very, very poorly on Hellboy and was diagnosed with cat scratch fever and possible leukaemia in Prague.
Blair played firestarter Liz Sherman in the 2004 original movie – written and directed by Oscar-winner Guillermo del Toro – alongside Ron Perlman in the titular role.
Blair received her Ms diagnosis in 2018 after many years of illness.
In a new interview with British Vogue, she recalled being terrified that her maladies, which she didn’t realise were related to Ms at the time, would “remove me from the workforce”.
“Sets were excruciating sometimes with the exhaustion and the tics,” Blair said. “I took benzos and Klonopin [a medication used to prevent seizures and anxiety disorders]. I didn’t abuse those things, just alcohol. But I was lost and sad and could hardly ever smile. Hence my roles, I imagine.”
She continued: “I remember [feeling] very, very poorly on Hellboy and was diagnosed with cat scratch fever and possible leukaemia in Prague.
- 4/20/2023
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - Film
F Murray Abraham has issued a statement following claims he was fired from Mythic Quest for sexual misconduct.
The Oscar-winning actor, 83, appeared in the first two seasons as video game writer CW Longbottom, but was absent from the third season, which aired in 2021.
A new Rolling Stone report claims that Abraham, who recently starred in HBO’s The White Lotus, found himself at the centre of two concerns regarding his on-set behaviour.
According to a production source, the actor was allegedly warned to keep away from some of the Apple TV Plus series’s female stars.
However, a second incident, which was brought to creator and star Rob McElhenney, is said to have resulted in his departure.
Abraham has issued a response to the report, which he called “a sincere and deeply felt apology”.
“Though never my intention to offend anyone, I told jokes – nothing more – that upset some of...
The Oscar-winning actor, 83, appeared in the first two seasons as video game writer CW Longbottom, but was absent from the third season, which aired in 2021.
A new Rolling Stone report claims that Abraham, who recently starred in HBO’s The White Lotus, found himself at the centre of two concerns regarding his on-set behaviour.
According to a production source, the actor was allegedly warned to keep away from some of the Apple TV Plus series’s female stars.
However, a second incident, which was brought to creator and star Rob McElhenney, is said to have resulted in his departure.
Abraham has issued a response to the report, which he called “a sincere and deeply felt apology”.
“Though never my intention to offend anyone, I told jokes – nothing more – that upset some of...
- 4/20/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Kanye West was caught dancing to the sound of his own voice and beats at designer Jerry Lorenzo’s recent Hollywood fashion show.
On Wednesday (19 April) night, the controversial rapper and his partner Bianca Censori were spotted towards the front of the audience at Lorenzo’s Fear of God show.
During the event, fellow rapper Pusha T took to the stage to perform some hits, one of them being 2018’s “Feel the Love” by West and Kid Cudi’s two-man supergroup Kids See Ghosts.
In video footage captured of the moment, West, dressed in his trademark black facemask, can be seen energetically bopping along to the song.
Seated beside him is Censori in a matching tan-coloured facemask.
West is rumoured to have tied the knot with Censori in January, two months after his divorce from Kim Kardashian was finalised.
Lorenzo has publicly remained a loyal supporter of West even amid...
On Wednesday (19 April) night, the controversial rapper and his partner Bianca Censori were spotted towards the front of the audience at Lorenzo’s Fear of God show.
During the event, fellow rapper Pusha T took to the stage to perform some hits, one of them being 2018’s “Feel the Love” by West and Kid Cudi’s two-man supergroup Kids See Ghosts.
In video footage captured of the moment, West, dressed in his trademark black facemask, can be seen energetically bopping along to the song.
Seated beside him is Censori in a matching tan-coloured facemask.
West is rumoured to have tied the knot with Censori in January, two months after his divorce from Kim Kardashian was finalised.
Lorenzo has publicly remained a loyal supporter of West even amid...
- 4/20/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Music
Hundreds of mourners lined the streets of a Kent village on Thursday for the funeral of comedian and entertainer Paul O’Grady who was been laid to rest following a “moving” service that included a eulogy from actor Julian Clary and a reading from Lord Michael Cashman.
The presenter – known and loved for drag alter-ego Lily Savage – died on 29 March aged 67. While his cause of death is yet to be officially disclosed, he suffered numerous heart attacks over the years.
The service featured a series of personal tributes, including a bronze statue of his beloved late dog Buster that had been placed on a leopard-print throw.
A photograph of a smiling O’Grady was placed at the front of the Grade I listed parish church surrounded by arrangements of lilies.
While the service was private, attended by the entertainer’s family and friends, including Alan Carr and Jo Brand, the village of Aldington,...
The presenter – known and loved for drag alter-ego Lily Savage – died on 29 March aged 67. While his cause of death is yet to be officially disclosed, he suffered numerous heart attacks over the years.
The service featured a series of personal tributes, including a bronze statue of his beloved late dog Buster that had been placed on a leopard-print throw.
A photograph of a smiling O’Grady was placed at the front of the Grade I listed parish church surrounded by arrangements of lilies.
While the service was private, attended by the entertainer’s family and friends, including Alan Carr and Jo Brand, the village of Aldington,...
- 4/20/2023
- by Isobel Lewis and Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Paul O’Grady was laid to rest today (Thursday 20 April) at a private service in Aldington, Kent.
Though the funeral service was restricted to O’Grady’s closest friends and family members, fans and neighbours were invited to watch the procession as it travelled through the village of Aldington in Kent.
After the procession, several celebrities and influential figures were seen at the funeral service at St Rumwold’s Parish Church in the Kent village of Bonnington.
The Salvation Army Band played songs such as “Tomorrow” from the musical Annie. At the time of his death, O’Grady was starring in a touring production of the show as orphanage boss Miss Hannigan.
The Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood was among the mourners spotted at the private service.
LGBT-rights campaigner Peter Tatchell was seen wearing a purple shirt and black tie to the service. Tatchell was one of the first to pay tribute...
Though the funeral service was restricted to O’Grady’s closest friends and family members, fans and neighbours were invited to watch the procession as it travelled through the village of Aldington in Kent.
After the procession, several celebrities and influential figures were seen at the funeral service at St Rumwold’s Parish Church in the Kent village of Bonnington.
The Salvation Army Band played songs such as “Tomorrow” from the musical Annie. At the time of his death, O’Grady was starring in a touring production of the show as orphanage boss Miss Hannigan.
The Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood was among the mourners spotted at the private service.
LGBT-rights campaigner Peter Tatchell was seen wearing a purple shirt and black tie to the service. Tatchell was one of the first to pay tribute...
- 4/20/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Channel 4 has received nearly 1,300 Ofcom complaints over its controversial show Naked Education.
Presented by Anna Richardson and created by the team behind Naked Attraction, the educational show about body positivity aired on Channel 4 earlier this month.
In the first episode, a group of 14 to 16-year-olds were taught about body hair, with the segment concluding with four adults stripping off in front of them to show diversity in other people’s bodies.
The four adults also spoke to the teenagers about their own issues with body image and the topic of pubic hair.
The series was hotly debated on social media and daytime TV, with Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway saying: “There’s something about the physicality of a stranger being naked in front of a teenager which I just feel uncomfortable about, because of all the things that we read about.”
Ofcom has now confirmed that they have...
Presented by Anna Richardson and created by the team behind Naked Attraction, the educational show about body positivity aired on Channel 4 earlier this month.
In the first episode, a group of 14 to 16-year-olds were taught about body hair, with the segment concluding with four adults stripping off in front of them to show diversity in other people’s bodies.
The four adults also spoke to the teenagers about their own issues with body image and the topic of pubic hair.
The series was hotly debated on social media and daytime TV, with Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway saying: “There’s something about the physicality of a stranger being naked in front of a teenager which I just feel uncomfortable about, because of all the things that we read about.”
Ofcom has now confirmed that they have...
- 4/20/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
The voice star behind some of Pokémon’s best-loved characters has retired from the anime.
James Carter Cathcart has provided multiple voices for the anime since 1998. These include Professor Oak and his grandson Gary and, since 2006, he has also voiced Team Rocket members James and Meowth.
It was reported in January that Cathcart had advanced cancer, which started in his tongue and had spread to his neck. The news was announced by his wife Martha via the website CaringBridge.
In a new post shared on 17 April, Martha, who previously said the cancer was treatable, revealed that the voice actor’s tumour “didn’t respond to the induction chemotherapy”.
Cathcart, 69, will now undertake a more aggressive form of chemo, which will begin in May.
While sharing the update Martha added: “In other news, Jimmy has decided to retire from script adapting and voice dubbing for Pokémon USA, effective at the conclusion...
James Carter Cathcart has provided multiple voices for the anime since 1998. These include Professor Oak and his grandson Gary and, since 2006, he has also voiced Team Rocket members James and Meowth.
It was reported in January that Cathcart had advanced cancer, which started in his tongue and had spread to his neck. The news was announced by his wife Martha via the website CaringBridge.
In a new post shared on 17 April, Martha, who previously said the cancer was treatable, revealed that the voice actor’s tumour “didn’t respond to the induction chemotherapy”.
Cathcart, 69, will now undertake a more aggressive form of chemo, which will begin in May.
While sharing the update Martha added: “In other news, Jimmy has decided to retire from script adapting and voice dubbing for Pokémon USA, effective at the conclusion...
- 4/20/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
A former participant on Love is Blind has spoken out in defence of hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey after fans expressed their distaste for the recent reunion episode.
The Lacheys, who have been together since 2006 and married since 2011, have fronted the programme since its launch in 2020.
Though the conclusion of season four was set to stream live on Sunday evening (Monday 17 April in the UK), technical issues meant that the reunion episode wasn’t available for more than 12 hours later than planned.
When the reunion finally hit the service later in the day, it was met with significant criticism regarding Vanessa’s alleged preferential treatment of some contestants, as well as the pair’s repeated questions about the couples’ family plans.
Shayne Jansen, who took part in the Chicago-set second season of the hit Netflix reality show in 2022, responded to questions about the pair during a recent Instagram Q&a.
The Lacheys, who have been together since 2006 and married since 2011, have fronted the programme since its launch in 2020.
Though the conclusion of season four was set to stream live on Sunday evening (Monday 17 April in the UK), technical issues meant that the reunion episode wasn’t available for more than 12 hours later than planned.
When the reunion finally hit the service later in the day, it was met with significant criticism regarding Vanessa’s alleged preferential treatment of some contestants, as well as the pair’s repeated questions about the couples’ family plans.
Shayne Jansen, who took part in the Chicago-set second season of the hit Netflix reality show in 2022, responded to questions about the pair during a recent Instagram Q&a.
- 4/20/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Simon “Si” King of the Hairy Bikers has shared his gratitude about a new project with Dave Myers after the latter’s cancer diagnosis.
Longtime friends King and Myers have been known as travelling chefs since their first series, The Hairy Bikers Cookbook, in 2004.
Myers revealed his cancer diagnosis in May 2022 during an episode of his and King’s Agony Uncles podcast.
In a video on the official Hairy Bikers Instagram account, King unboxes copies of the latest Hairy Bikers cookbook, The Hairy Dieter: Eat Well Every Day.
“Eat well every day... well, why not?” he says to the camera, holding the book.
“It’s always so lovely, and it’s a bit of a special book, this,” he adds, before saying that he hopes it’s enjoyed by the people who read it.
In the caption for the post, King wrote: “It’s finally here everyone!”
Earlier this year,...
Longtime friends King and Myers have been known as travelling chefs since their first series, The Hairy Bikers Cookbook, in 2004.
Myers revealed his cancer diagnosis in May 2022 during an episode of his and King’s Agony Uncles podcast.
In a video on the official Hairy Bikers Instagram account, King unboxes copies of the latest Hairy Bikers cookbook, The Hairy Dieter: Eat Well Every Day.
“Eat well every day... well, why not?” he says to the camera, holding the book.
“It’s always so lovely, and it’s a bit of a special book, this,” he adds, before saying that he hopes it’s enjoyed by the people who read it.
In the caption for the post, King wrote: “It’s finally here everyone!”
Earlier this year,...
- 4/20/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Rust, the Alec Baldwin film that came to a halt following the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October 2021, is due to resume filming.
Hutchins died in October 2021 after being struck by a live bullet during rehearsals on set in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The film’s director Joel Souza was also shot and injured but survived the incident.
In January, Baldwin was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter over the shooting of 42-year-old Hutchins. The actor pleaded not guilty, having previously claimed he was told the gun was safe and denied pulling the trigger.
On Thursday (20 April), production is set to start up filming once more at the Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana. Baldwin will continue his involvement as an actor and co-producer, the production company confirmed.
Last month, the company finalised a settlement with New Mexico workplace safety regulars over “serious” violations, agreeing to a $100,000 fine...
Hutchins died in October 2021 after being struck by a live bullet during rehearsals on set in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The film’s director Joel Souza was also shot and injured but survived the incident.
In January, Baldwin was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter over the shooting of 42-year-old Hutchins. The actor pleaded not guilty, having previously claimed he was told the gun was safe and denied pulling the trigger.
On Thursday (20 April), production is set to start up filming once more at the Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana. Baldwin will continue his involvement as an actor and co-producer, the production company confirmed.
Last month, the company finalised a settlement with New Mexico workplace safety regulars over “serious” violations, agreeing to a $100,000 fine...
- 4/20/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - Film
Is Jinkx Monsoon playing Doctor Who’s first musical villain? Their costume might be a major giveaway
Doctor Who fans have been given their first look at Jinkx Monsoon as the Doctor’s “most powerful enemy yet” – and the drag queen’s costume seems might just hint at a new direction for the show.
Earlier this month, fans of the sci-fi series and RuPaul’s Drag Race alike were delighted by the announcement that drag queen Jinkx – who identifies as non-binary and uses they/she pronouns – was joining the BBC series.
The US-based performer will star opposite Ncuti Gatwa’s incoming 15th Doctor in the next full series of Doctor Who, which kicks off over Christmas after three special episodes seeing the brief return of fan-favourite Time Lord, David Tennant.
Details about Gatwa’s tenure as the Doctor have been kept tightly under wraps, with the original announcement that Jinkx would have a “major role” in the new series predictably prompting rabid speculation from fans.
Jinkx won...
Earlier this month, fans of the sci-fi series and RuPaul’s Drag Race alike were delighted by the announcement that drag queen Jinkx – who identifies as non-binary and uses they/she pronouns – was joining the BBC series.
The US-based performer will star opposite Ncuti Gatwa’s incoming 15th Doctor in the next full series of Doctor Who, which kicks off over Christmas after three special episodes seeing the brief return of fan-favourite Time Lord, David Tennant.
Details about Gatwa’s tenure as the Doctor have been kept tightly under wraps, with the original announcement that Jinkx would have a “major role” in the new series predictably prompting rabid speculation from fans.
Jinkx won...
- 4/20/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Netflix has found itself at the centre of a debate over the casting of Cleopatra in a new documentary series.
Arriving on the streaming service in May, the four-part documentary Queen Cleopatra (a part of the African Queens series) will investigate the life of the Egyptian ruler.
The series is being narrated by actor Jada Pinkett Smith, who said that she wanted to use the show to “represent Black women”.
“We don’t often get to see or hear stories about Black queens… the sad part is that we don’t have ready access to these historical women who were so powerful and were the backbones of African nations,” she told Netflix’sTudum in February.
In Queen Cleopatra, the ruler is portrayed by Casualty star Adele James, who is biracial. Her casting has sparked debate in Egypt, due to the contested nature of the real-life Cleopatra’s racial identity.
Cleopatra...
Arriving on the streaming service in May, the four-part documentary Queen Cleopatra (a part of the African Queens series) will investigate the life of the Egyptian ruler.
The series is being narrated by actor Jada Pinkett Smith, who said that she wanted to use the show to “represent Black women”.
“We don’t often get to see or hear stories about Black queens… the sad part is that we don’t have ready access to these historical women who were so powerful and were the backbones of African nations,” she told Netflix’sTudum in February.
In Queen Cleopatra, the ruler is portrayed by Casualty star Adele James, who is biracial. Her casting has sparked debate in Egypt, due to the contested nature of the real-life Cleopatra’s racial identity.
Cleopatra...
- 4/20/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Jack Whitehall has reflected on the time he “bombed so hard” at a private comedy gig for the then-Prince Charles.
The comedian joked that he was “Nfi’ed” (“Not F***ing Invited”) to the forthcoming coronation on 6 May because of the show that he did at Kensington Palace, years ago, when King Charles had hired him as entertainment for his staff’s Christmas party.
“I went out and they were sat, him and Camilla, in the front row in thrones, literally in thrones,” Whitehall told James Corden on The Late Late Show.
“And I had no microphone so I was literally the court jester for half an hour. I did a load of jokes about Kate Middleton because she’d been at my school, and I was referring to her as ‘the one that got away’ which he didn’t like at all.”
He added: “I literally bombed so...
The comedian joked that he was “Nfi’ed” (“Not F***ing Invited”) to the forthcoming coronation on 6 May because of the show that he did at Kensington Palace, years ago, when King Charles had hired him as entertainment for his staff’s Christmas party.
“I went out and they were sat, him and Camilla, in the front row in thrones, literally in thrones,” Whitehall told James Corden on The Late Late Show.
“And I had no microphone so I was literally the court jester for half an hour. I did a load of jokes about Kate Middleton because she’d been at my school, and I was referring to her as ‘the one that got away’ which he didn’t like at all.”
He added: “I literally bombed so...
- 4/20/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Paul O’Grady’s husband, former dancer Andre Portasio, has invited local fans of the late star to mourn his death at a funeral procession through the village of Aldington in Kent.
O’Grady, the adored presenter of For the Love of Dogs and the man behind alter ego Lily Savage, died last month aged 67 at his home in the village, where he had lived for two decades.
Portasio posted in local Facebook groups on Monday (17 April), expressing his “deepest gratitude” for the “overwhelming outpouring of support and love I have received since the passing of our beloved Paul O’Grady”.
He wrote: “Your kind messages, beautiful flowers, and thoughtful texts of condolences have brought me comfort and solace during this difficult time.
“I am incredibly grateful for the support and love I have received from our community and we want to thank each and every one of you for your kindness and generosity.
O’Grady, the adored presenter of For the Love of Dogs and the man behind alter ego Lily Savage, died last month aged 67 at his home in the village, where he had lived for two decades.
Portasio posted in local Facebook groups on Monday (17 April), expressing his “deepest gratitude” for the “overwhelming outpouring of support and love I have received since the passing of our beloved Paul O’Grady”.
He wrote: “Your kind messages, beautiful flowers, and thoughtful texts of condolences have brought me comfort and solace during this difficult time.
“I am incredibly grateful for the support and love I have received from our community and we want to thank each and every one of you for your kindness and generosity.
- 4/18/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Paul O’Grady viewers were left “in tears” following ITV’s emotional special dedicated to the late presenter.
The drag performer and presenter died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on 28 March aged 67, his partner Andre Portasio announced.
On Sunday (9 April) night, ITV aired a special documentary titled For The Love of Paul O’Grady, in which celebrities such as Julian Clary and Carol Vorderman paid tribute to and shared the fondest memories of the late presenter.
“He was not only brilliant as an entertainer, he was a force for good,” Carol Vorderman said, while The Big Breakfast host Gaby Roslin commented: “There’s no-one that’s ever going to be like Paul, and [his drag persona Lily Savage], ever ever ever.”
As the episode aired, radio host James O’Brien tweeted: “This Paul O’Grady tribute on ITV is so, so good. These quick turn arounds often feel rushed & opportunistic but this is very special.
“So much love from @carolvorders,...
The drag performer and presenter died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on 28 March aged 67, his partner Andre Portasio announced.
On Sunday (9 April) night, ITV aired a special documentary titled For The Love of Paul O’Grady, in which celebrities such as Julian Clary and Carol Vorderman paid tribute to and shared the fondest memories of the late presenter.
“He was not only brilliant as an entertainer, he was a force for good,” Carol Vorderman said, while The Big Breakfast host Gaby Roslin commented: “There’s no-one that’s ever going to be like Paul, and [his drag persona Lily Savage], ever ever ever.”
As the episode aired, radio host James O’Brien tweeted: “This Paul O’Grady tribute on ITV is so, so good. These quick turn arounds often feel rushed & opportunistic but this is very special.
“So much love from @carolvorders,...
- 4/10/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Paul O’Grady has been remembered as a “force for good” by his famous friends including Carol Vorderman, Julian Clary and Michael Cashman.
Celebrities paid tribute to the drag queen turned TV and radio star during For The Love of Paul O’Grady on ITV on Sunday (9 April) evening, following his death last month at the age of 67.
O’Grady, who started out as a social worker while performing on the London nightclub circuit as the acerbic, platinum wig-wearing Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on 28 March, his partner Andre Portasio said in a statement.
Remembering O’Grady for his activism, Vorderman, 62, said: “He was not only brilliant as an entertainer, he was a force for good.”
Former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband added: “He wasn’t just a fighter for the underdog, somebody who was willing to use his platform to speak up for people who didn’t have a platform,...
Celebrities paid tribute to the drag queen turned TV and radio star during For The Love of Paul O’Grady on ITV on Sunday (9 April) evening, following his death last month at the age of 67.
O’Grady, who started out as a social worker while performing on the London nightclub circuit as the acerbic, platinum wig-wearing Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on 28 March, his partner Andre Portasio said in a statement.
Remembering O’Grady for his activism, Vorderman, 62, said: “He was not only brilliant as an entertainer, he was a force for good.”
Former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband added: “He wasn’t just a fighter for the underdog, somebody who was willing to use his platform to speak up for people who didn’t have a platform,...
- 4/10/2023
- by Connie Evans
- The Independent - TV
Paul O’Grady’s daughter has shared a statement following the “unexpected” death of her father.
Sharon Mousley is the TV star’s only child, and he shared her with his friend Diane Jansen. Mousley was born in 1974 when O’Grady was 18.
O’Grady had a close relationship with Mousley up until his death, and gave her away at her wedding to husband Philip Mousley.
She also went to Buckingham Palace with her father in 2008, when he was given an MBE for services to entertainment.
On Saturday (1 April), Mousley, who has two teenage children, told Mail Online: “What can I say? We are all devastated, I am, my mum is, everyone is.
“We loved him and we will miss him. We are all distraught.”
O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio shared the last ever photo the couple had together earlier this week.
He said in a statement on Thursday (30 March...
Sharon Mousley is the TV star’s only child, and he shared her with his friend Diane Jansen. Mousley was born in 1974 when O’Grady was 18.
O’Grady had a close relationship with Mousley up until his death, and gave her away at her wedding to husband Philip Mousley.
She also went to Buckingham Palace with her father in 2008, when he was given an MBE for services to entertainment.
On Saturday (1 April), Mousley, who has two teenage children, told Mail Online: “What can I say? We are all devastated, I am, my mum is, everyone is.
“We loved him and we will miss him. We are all distraught.”
O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio shared the last ever photo the couple had together earlier this week.
He said in a statement on Thursday (30 March...
- 4/2/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Paul O’Grady’s daughter has shared a statement following the “unexpected” death of her father.
Sharon Mousley is the TV star’s only child, and he shared her with his friend Diane Jansen. Mousley was born in 1974 when O’Grady was 18.
O’Grady had a close relationship with Mousley up until his death, and gave her away at her wedding to husband Philip Mousley.
She also went to Buckingham Palace with her father in 2008, when he was given an MBE for services to entertainment.
On Saturday (1 April), Mousley, who has two teenage children, told Mail Online: “What can I say? We are all devastated, I am, my mum is, everyone is.
“We loved him and we will miss him. We are all distraught.”
O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio shared the last ever photo the couple had together earlier this week.
He said in a statement on Thursday (30 March...
Sharon Mousley is the TV star’s only child, and he shared her with his friend Diane Jansen. Mousley was born in 1974 when O’Grady was 18.
O’Grady had a close relationship with Mousley up until his death, and gave her away at her wedding to husband Philip Mousley.
She also went to Buckingham Palace with her father in 2008, when he was given an MBE for services to entertainment.
On Saturday (1 April), Mousley, who has two teenage children, told Mail Online: “What can I say? We are all devastated, I am, my mum is, everyone is.
“We loved him and we will miss him. We are all distraught.”
O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio shared the last ever photo the couple had together earlier this week.
He said in a statement on Thursday (30 March...
- 4/1/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Paul O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio has spoken out for the first time since disclosing the news of the broadcaster’s death.
O’Grady died “unexpectedly but peacefully” aged 67 on Tuesday (28 March).
On Thursday (30 March), Portasio, 41, shared a photo of himself and O’Grady on Instagram.
In the picture, the couple can be seen smiling on a boat during what was their “last ever holiday together”.
Alongside the photo, Portasio wrote: “Browsing for a picture I found the last picture we ever took together. Unbeknownst to us back in January this would be our last ever holiday together.”
The former English National Ballet dancer added: “In time I hope to write to everyone individually and thank you for all posts, messages, phone calls, emails, cards and flowers of support.
“I much appreciate you all taking the time to reach out. I’m so very touched and I’m sure Paul would be too!
O’Grady died “unexpectedly but peacefully” aged 67 on Tuesday (28 March).
On Thursday (30 March), Portasio, 41, shared a photo of himself and O’Grady on Instagram.
In the picture, the couple can be seen smiling on a boat during what was their “last ever holiday together”.
Alongside the photo, Portasio wrote: “Browsing for a picture I found the last picture we ever took together. Unbeknownst to us back in January this would be our last ever holiday together.”
The former English National Ballet dancer added: “In time I hope to write to everyone individually and thank you for all posts, messages, phone calls, emails, cards and flowers of support.
“I much appreciate you all taking the time to reach out. I’m so very touched and I’m sure Paul would be too!
- 3/31/2023
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - TV
Amanda Holden has raised eyebrows with her “bizarre” tribute to Paul O’Grady, who has died, aged 67.
The Heart Radio presenter reacted to news of the TV host and comedian’s death while co-hosting her show with Jamie Theakston on Wednesday (29 March).
Holden, who appeared alongside O’Grady on an episode of his ITV series For the Love of Dogs in 2021, said she was in “complete shock” over the news.
She called him “really funny” and “very witty”, stating that “everything that came out of his mouth was brilliant”.
However, Holden then said: “Do you know what I loved about him? He was not woke in any way. He had massive opinions on everything, which, I love people like that.”
Listeners have taken umbrage with Holden’s use of the word “woke”, arguing it was out of context and had no place being used for such a tribute.
In the Collins Dictionary,...
The Heart Radio presenter reacted to news of the TV host and comedian’s death while co-hosting her show with Jamie Theakston on Wednesday (29 March).
Holden, who appeared alongside O’Grady on an episode of his ITV series For the Love of Dogs in 2021, said she was in “complete shock” over the news.
She called him “really funny” and “very witty”, stating that “everything that came out of his mouth was brilliant”.
However, Holden then said: “Do you know what I loved about him? He was not woke in any way. He had massive opinions on everything, which, I love people like that.”
Listeners have taken umbrage with Holden’s use of the word “woke”, arguing it was out of context and had no place being used for such a tribute.
In the Collins Dictionary,...
- 3/30/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Paul O’Grady was planning to lead a campaign calling on the police to apologise for historic persecution of the LGBT+ community, one of his friends has said.
The TV presenter and comedian died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday (28 March) night, his partner Andre Portasio announced.
The news prompted an outpouring of support as fans remembered O’Grady, also known as his drag queen persona Lily Savage, for his work as both an entertainer and an activist.
Appearing on Radio 4 on Wednesday (29 March) campaigner Peter Tatchell, of whose foundation O’Grady was a patron, said that O’Grady was going to lead a forthcoming campaign asking for an apology from the police.
“He was a fierce opponent of the Thatcher government over its attacks upon the LGBT+ community, particularly Section 28, and he was appalled by the levels of police harassment that were still going on right through the 1990s,” he said...
The TV presenter and comedian died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday (28 March) night, his partner Andre Portasio announced.
The news prompted an outpouring of support as fans remembered O’Grady, also known as his drag queen persona Lily Savage, for his work as both an entertainer and an activist.
Appearing on Radio 4 on Wednesday (29 March) campaigner Peter Tatchell, of whose foundation O’Grady was a patron, said that O’Grady was going to lead a forthcoming campaign asking for an apology from the police.
“He was a fierce opponent of the Thatcher government over its attacks upon the LGBT+ community, particularly Section 28, and he was appalled by the levels of police harassment that were still going on right through the 1990s,” he said...
- 3/30/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Fans, friends and colleagues are continuing to pay tribute to Paul O’Grady, who died on Tuesday evening (28 March), aged 67.
Queen Camilla, Elton John, Lorraine Kelly, Piers Morgan, Joe Lycett and others from the TV industry have paid tribute, as well as MPs at PMQs on Wednesday afternoon (29 March).
Dominic Raab was mocked after incorrectly paying tribute to the “incredible comic Paul Grayson”, instead of Paul O’Grady.
“Paul Grayson was an incredible comic, but he also...” Raab said during PMQs on Wednesday 29 March, before eventually correcting himself.
In 2013, O’Grady made a poignant comment on death and living past the age of 60.
Throughout his career, the TV host, known for his drag persona Lily Savage, won numerous accolades including a TV Bafta, a British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award for The Paul O’Grady Show.
He was also known for his love for animals. He lived in a farmhouse...
Queen Camilla, Elton John, Lorraine Kelly, Piers Morgan, Joe Lycett and others from the TV industry have paid tribute, as well as MPs at PMQs on Wednesday afternoon (29 March).
Dominic Raab was mocked after incorrectly paying tribute to the “incredible comic Paul Grayson”, instead of Paul O’Grady.
“Paul Grayson was an incredible comic, but he also...” Raab said during PMQs on Wednesday 29 March, before eventually correcting himself.
In 2013, O’Grady made a poignant comment on death and living past the age of 60.
Throughout his career, the TV host, known for his drag persona Lily Savage, won numerous accolades including a TV Bafta, a British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award for The Paul O’Grady Show.
He was also known for his love for animals. He lived in a farmhouse...
- 3/30/2023
- by Peony Hirwani,Nicole Vassell,Roisin O'Connor,Inga Parkel and Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
Eddie Izzard remembered Paul O’Grady as a “lovely” and “decent guy, who cared about people” following his death aged 67.
O’Grady died on Tuesday (28 March). In a statement, his partner Andre Portasio said that his death was “unexpected but peaceful”.
Since his sudden death, numerous celebrities have shared heartfelt words and tributes dedicated to the TV presenter and radio host.
“Appearing on The Paul O’Grady Show was always fun. He was a lovely, decent guy who cared about people. You could see that in the way he interacted with them,” fellow British comedian Izzard told The Guardian of O’Grady.
“Obviously we shared an interest in politics. His positions might not be exactly my positions, although ripping into the Tories like he did – absolutely. But he did things his way and with aplomb. I can’t imagine he’d ever want to stand to be an MP like I did,...
O’Grady died on Tuesday (28 March). In a statement, his partner Andre Portasio said that his death was “unexpected but peaceful”.
Since his sudden death, numerous celebrities have shared heartfelt words and tributes dedicated to the TV presenter and radio host.
“Appearing on The Paul O’Grady Show was always fun. He was a lovely, decent guy who cared about people. You could see that in the way he interacted with them,” fellow British comedian Izzard told The Guardian of O’Grady.
“Obviously we shared an interest in politics. His positions might not be exactly my positions, although ripping into the Tories like he did – absolutely. But he did things his way and with aplomb. I can’t imagine he’d ever want to stand to be an MP like I did,...
- 3/29/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - TV
Dominic Raab is being mocked after incorrectly paying tribute to the “incredible comic Paul Grayson”, instead of Paul O’Grady.
The presenter and comedian died on Tuesday evening (28 March), aged 67.
“Paul Grayson was an incredible comic, but he also...” Raab said during PMQs on Wednesday 29 March, before eventually correcting himself.
He went on to suggest the late comic’s alter-ego, Lily Savage, “broke glass ceilings and boundaries”.
Queen Camilla, Elton John, Lorraine Kelly, Piers Morgan, and others from the TV industry have paid tribute, as well as MPs at PMQs on Wednesday afternoon (29 March).
In 2013, O’Grady made a poignant comment on death and living past the age of 60.
Throughout his career the TV host, known for his drag persona Lily Savage, won numerous accolades including a TV Bafta, a British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award for The Paul O’Grady Show.
He was also known for his love for animals.
The presenter and comedian died on Tuesday evening (28 March), aged 67.
“Paul Grayson was an incredible comic, but he also...” Raab said during PMQs on Wednesday 29 March, before eventually correcting himself.
He went on to suggest the late comic’s alter-ego, Lily Savage, “broke glass ceilings and boundaries”.
Queen Camilla, Elton John, Lorraine Kelly, Piers Morgan, and others from the TV industry have paid tribute, as well as MPs at PMQs on Wednesday afternoon (29 March).
In 2013, O’Grady made a poignant comment on death and living past the age of 60.
Throughout his career the TV host, known for his drag persona Lily Savage, won numerous accolades including a TV Bafta, a British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award for The Paul O’Grady Show.
He was also known for his love for animals.
- 3/29/2023
- by Peony Hirwani,Nicole Vassell,Roisin O'Connor,Inga Parkel and Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
Joe Lycett has responded to the news of Paul O’Grady’s death with a comment on how much of an inspiration the presenter was to him.
O’Grady died on Tuesday (28 March) at the age of 67. In a statement, his partner Andre Portasio said that his death was “unexpected but peaceful”.
Since his death, several celebrities have shared stories about the presenter and animal lover.
On Wednesday (29 March), Lycett posted a tribute on social media.
“I’m sad about Paul O’Grady,” he wrote in a tweet.
“I hoped I might meet him one day to tell him what an inspiration he was to me: how I loved gloriously loose and effortless his shows were, how he proved you could be political in a light ent space and that you could do all this and be really, really funny.”
In response to his tribute, several fans have shared their own memories of O’Grady,...
O’Grady died on Tuesday (28 March) at the age of 67. In a statement, his partner Andre Portasio said that his death was “unexpected but peaceful”.
Since his death, several celebrities have shared stories about the presenter and animal lover.
On Wednesday (29 March), Lycett posted a tribute on social media.
“I’m sad about Paul O’Grady,” he wrote in a tweet.
“I hoped I might meet him one day to tell him what an inspiration he was to me: how I loved gloriously loose and effortless his shows were, how he proved you could be political in a light ent space and that you could do all this and be really, really funny.”
In response to his tribute, several fans have shared their own memories of O’Grady,...
- 3/29/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Update 6.20 a.m. Pst: ITV is pushing on with the latest season of Paul O’Grady For the Love of Dogs and has changed its upcoming schedules to commemorate the TV star, who died unexpectedly Tuesday evening aged 67.
The UK network will repeat an episode of Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs: A Royal Special at 5 p.m. GMT (9 a.m. Pst) tonight in place of The Chase, before For the Love of Paul O’Grady airs on Sunday April 9 in tribute to the star.
The new series of Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs, his hit ITV animal show which programs boss Kevin Lygo called “one of our best-loved series,” will air as planned from Thursday April 13.
Previously: British TV host, comedian and actor Paul O’Grady died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening according to a statement by his husband which was provided to local media.
The UK network will repeat an episode of Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs: A Royal Special at 5 p.m. GMT (9 a.m. Pst) tonight in place of The Chase, before For the Love of Paul O’Grady airs on Sunday April 9 in tribute to the star.
The new series of Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs, his hit ITV animal show which programs boss Kevin Lygo called “one of our best-loved series,” will air as planned from Thursday April 13.
Previously: British TV host, comedian and actor Paul O’Grady died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening according to a statement by his husband which was provided to local media.
- 3/29/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Dominic Raab got Paul O’Grady’s name wrong while paying tribute to the late TV star and comedian.
The deputy prime minister was speaking during PMQs when he addressed the “unexpected” death of 67-year-old O’Grady, which was announced on Wednesday (29 March).
Taking to the podium, the Conservative politican said: “Paul Grayson was an incredible comic, but he also...”
After heckling from those gathered in the House of Commons, he smiled, before correcting himself.
Raab the paid tribute to O’Grady, whom he said “broke glass ceilings and boundaries” with his alter-ego, Lily Savage.
O’Grady was a vocal critic of the Conservative party. In the wake of his death, a clip of him tearing into the Tories during his ITV chat show The Paul O’Grady Show went viral on social media.
“I bet when they were children they laughed in Bambi when his mother got shot,” he said. At one stage,...
The deputy prime minister was speaking during PMQs when he addressed the “unexpected” death of 67-year-old O’Grady, which was announced on Wednesday (29 March).
Taking to the podium, the Conservative politican said: “Paul Grayson was an incredible comic, but he also...”
After heckling from those gathered in the House of Commons, he smiled, before correcting himself.
Raab the paid tribute to O’Grady, whom he said “broke glass ceilings and boundaries” with his alter-ego, Lily Savage.
O’Grady was a vocal critic of the Conservative party. In the wake of his death, a clip of him tearing into the Tories during his ITV chat show The Paul O’Grady Show went viral on social media.
“I bet when they were children they laughed in Bambi when his mother got shot,” he said. At one stage,...
- 3/29/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Entertainer Paul O’Grady, who achieved fame as drag queen Lily Savage before becoming a much-loved comedian and host on British television, has died. He was 67.
Britain’s queen consort, who worked with O’Grady to support animal charities, led tributes to a performer who emerged from the alternative gay comedy scene and became a national treasure.
Read More: Lance Reddick, ‘The Wire’ And ‘John Wick’ Star, Dead At 60
O’Grady’s partner Andre Portasio said he died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humor, wit and compassion,” Portasio said in a statement.
Born in Birkenhead, near Liverpool, in 1955, O’Grady was working as a local-authority care worker when he began performing as Savage, a tart-tongued Liverpudlian drag queen.
Savage became a fixture as a standup and talent-show host at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern,...
Britain’s queen consort, who worked with O’Grady to support animal charities, led tributes to a performer who emerged from the alternative gay comedy scene and became a national treasure.
Read More: Lance Reddick, ‘The Wire’ And ‘John Wick’ Star, Dead At 60
O’Grady’s partner Andre Portasio said he died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humor, wit and compassion,” Portasio said in a statement.
Born in Birkenhead, near Liverpool, in 1955, O’Grady was working as a local-authority care worker when he began performing as Savage, a tart-tongued Liverpudlian drag queen.
Savage became a fixture as a standup and talent-show host at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern,...
- 3/29/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
U.K. broadcaster ITV has revealed the schedule changes brought about by the death of popular British presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady.
At 5pm U.K. time on March 29 “Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs: A Royal Special” will be repeated on ITV1, replacing the repeat of “The Chase.”
At 8pm U.K. time on April 9, ITV will broadcast “For the Love of Paul O’Grady” on ITV1, in tribute to the departed comedian.
At 8:30pm on April 13, the new season of “Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs” will air on ITV1, as planned.
Meanwhile, ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment, Kevin Lygo, said: “We are fortunate to have had a long association with Paul, at ITV. He was a huge, inimitable talent, delighting our viewers through his comedy and entertainment with a warmth, humor and joy that audiences of all generations related to and connected with.
At 5pm U.K. time on March 29 “Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs: A Royal Special” will be repeated on ITV1, replacing the repeat of “The Chase.”
At 8pm U.K. time on April 9, ITV will broadcast “For the Love of Paul O’Grady” on ITV1, in tribute to the departed comedian.
At 8:30pm on April 13, the new season of “Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs” will air on ITV1, as planned.
Meanwhile, ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment, Kevin Lygo, said: “We are fortunate to have had a long association with Paul, at ITV. He was a huge, inimitable talent, delighting our viewers through his comedy and entertainment with a warmth, humor and joy that audiences of all generations related to and connected with.
- 3/29/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
British entertainment has lost a truly unique talent. From drag to dogs, gameshows to the gay scene, trailblazer Paul O’Grady was one of our very best. Millions of us who’ve savoured his effervescent screen presence over the past 35 years have been left heartbroken by the news that he has died aged 67. O’Grady’s versatile career as a comedian, TV presenter, radio DJ and theatre performer means that there are few Britons whose lives he hasn’t touched. It’s not hyperbole to suggest that he attained national treasure status.
I first became aware of O’Grady – although I didn’t know that was his name back then – on the stand-up comedy circuit during the Nineties. As his drag queen alter ego Lily Savage, he was a roof-raising riot. With near the knuckle gags (“Me and my husband have an open marriage. I’m hopin’ he’ll f*** off...
I first became aware of O’Grady – although I didn’t know that was his name back then – on the stand-up comedy circuit during the Nineties. As his drag queen alter ego Lily Savage, he was a roof-raising riot. With near the knuckle gags (“Me and my husband have an open marriage. I’m hopin’ he’ll f*** off...
- 3/29/2023
- by Michael Hogan
- The Independent - TV
After news of the death of Paul O’Grady, fans have been looking back at some of the presenter’s most memorable moments.
O’Grady, who died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday (28 March), was known for his humorous nature when hosting, as well as his long-time love and appreciation of dogs.
You can read the latest updates and tributes here.
Another major part of O’Grady’s legacy is his career as his drag persona, Lily Savage.
O’Grady performed as Savage in the 1980s and 1990s, and had an eight-year residency at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern.
In 2021, O’Grady reflected on a time when police officers raided the venue, which remains a popular social spot for the LGBT+ community.
“It was 34 years ago when the cops raided the Vauxhall,” he commented on an Instagram post from the pub.
“I was doing the late show and within seconds the place was heaving with coppers,...
O’Grady, who died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday (28 March), was known for his humorous nature when hosting, as well as his long-time love and appreciation of dogs.
You can read the latest updates and tributes here.
Another major part of O’Grady’s legacy is his career as his drag persona, Lily Savage.
O’Grady performed as Savage in the 1980s and 1990s, and had an eight-year residency at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern.
In 2021, O’Grady reflected on a time when police officers raided the venue, which remains a popular social spot for the LGBT+ community.
“It was 34 years ago when the cops raided the Vauxhall,” he commented on an Instagram post from the pub.
“I was doing the late show and within seconds the place was heaving with coppers,...
- 3/29/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Paul O’Grady, the adored TV presenter and comedian who broke out with his drag act persona Lily Savage, has died at the age of 67 – but he once said it would be “amazing” if he made it to 60.
His partner Andre Portasio confirmed in a statement that O’Grady died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening (28 March).
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion,” Portasio said.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
O’Grady’s cause of death has not been disclosed, but he had several health issues over the years.
The former 40-a-day smoker had his first heart attack in 2002, a second in 2006, and a third in 2014.
In 2013, the star was rushed to hospital after being struck by angina – chest...
His partner Andre Portasio confirmed in a statement that O’Grady died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening (28 March).
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion,” Portasio said.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
O’Grady’s cause of death has not been disclosed, but he had several health issues over the years.
The former 40-a-day smoker had his first heart attack in 2002, a second in 2006, and a third in 2014.
In 2013, the star was rushed to hospital after being struck by angina – chest...
- 3/29/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Lorraine Kelly and other people from the TV industry have paid tribute to Paul O’Grady, who died on Tuesday (28 March) evening.
The news of O’Grady’s death was announced by his partner Andre Portasio.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening,” he said. “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.”
Many from the TV industry paid tribute to O’Grady after news emerged of his death.
“Such sad news,” wrote Lorraine Kelly. “Paul O’Grady – funny,...
The news of O’Grady’s death was announced by his partner Andre Portasio.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening,” he said. “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.”
Many from the TV industry paid tribute to O’Grady after news emerged of his death.
“Such sad news,” wrote Lorraine Kelly. “Paul O’Grady – funny,...
- 3/29/2023
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - TV
British presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady has died. He was 67.
O’Grady’s death was confirmed to the BBC by his partner Andre Portasio, who said the popular TV host died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening.
O’Grady was known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage. A mainstay on British television, he was also the host of ITV’s “The Paul O’Grady Show” and Channel 5’s “Blind Date” reboot. A well-known animal lover, O’Grady presented ITV’s “For the Love of Dogs” and was a supporter of the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Portasio said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening…
“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...
O’Grady’s death was confirmed to the BBC by his partner Andre Portasio, who said the popular TV host died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening.
O’Grady was known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage. A mainstay on British television, he was also the host of ITV’s “The Paul O’Grady Show” and Channel 5’s “Blind Date” reboot. A well-known animal lover, O’Grady presented ITV’s “For the Love of Dogs” and was a supporter of the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Portasio said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening…
“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...
- 3/29/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.