Saddened to hear of the passing of Paul O’Grady when I woke this morning.
I was lucky enough to know Paul a little though my ex-wife, the actor and stand-up comedian Jayne Tunnicliffe. Jayne worked and co-wrote with Paul on two series of Lily Live and other things. That was before she and I met while working on Coronation Street, but because they’d continued their fond friendship in the years since Lily Live, I got to meet Paul a few times, in both social and working environments…
While working as Story Producer of Emmerdale I wrote a script for a special episode whereby Paul, as Lily, came in for a cameo as the longlost mother of Chastity Dingle. Also, Jayne and I wrote additional material for Coronation Street the Musical, Street of Dreams, in which Paul brilliantly starred. Though these were brief and ill-fated working relationships, I remember them fondly as grabbable opportunities to work with such a kind-hearted, warm, caring, and above all hilarious person and professional.
I know Paul will be sadly missed by those far more eminent and closer to him than I, but I just wanted to add my small voice to the many eulogies that will be happening today and onwards.
RIP Paul, and thanks for the memories.
Mark Bickerton 