This weekend, the BBC will broadcast Lily Savage’s Blankety Blank as an homage to Paul O’Grady.
The legendary comedian died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ on Tuesday evening, with his partner Andre Portasio saying: ‘It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.’
‘He will be deeply missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals, and all those who appreciated his humour, intelligence, and kindness,’ he said in a statement. I’m sure he’d want me to praise you for all of the affection you’ve shown him over the years.’
Fans of the LGBT+ campaigner and animal lover, as well as personalities from around the world, have been praying for O’Grady, with ITV earlier revealing that a new series of Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs will broadcast next month, marking his final television appearance.
Meanwhile, following his exit from BBC Radio 2 last year, fans will be able to listen to his final radio programme again, with Boom Radio airing his Christmas Day show in its entirety, replacing a spot he was supposed to return to on Easter Sunday.
The BBC will now pay homage to the presenter by airing a classic edition of Blankety Blank this weekend.
Guests on this classic edition of the game show include Rebecca Callard, Sophie Lawrence, Davina McCall, Sir Ian McKellen, Gray O’Brien, and Dala Winton as O’Grady’s drag queen character Lily Savage.
Lily Savage’s Blankety Blank will be broadcast on Saturday April 1st 2023 at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.