Paul O’Grady’s final words on Radio 2 just months before his ‘unexpected’ death | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV
Paul O’Grady was a much-loved presenter on BBC Radio 2 and his exit sparked backlash from loyal listeners. As he bid farewell on his final show on August 14 2022, he said he “felt free” as he “wasn’t really happy” with changes at the station. Paul was expected to return to Boom Radio on Easter Sunday.
In a final farewell to BBC Radio 2 listeners last years, Paul said: “This is one of the longest jobs I’ve ever held down – I only came in to do a few hours for Elaine Paige.
“I used to say I was running from the building, but there was a great big bubble that would catch me on Oxford Street and bring me back, like a prisoner.
“But it’s not today and I can run free. I’m hanging up my headphones.
“Thank you very, very much for listening – it wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
READ MORE: Emmerdale’s Kim Tate loses Home Farm to Caleb’s boss Thomas King
For Paul’s final song, he played Friends by Bette Midler.
Both Paul and his producer and close friend Malcolm Prince were moving to Boom Radio.
Just days before his final show, Paul addressed his reasons for leaving Radio 2 in a video shared on his Instagram page.
He told his 746,000 followers: “I’ve loved doing my Sunday afternoon show for the past 14 years and I’m going to miss my listeners, as well as all the fun I’ve had with my producer, Malcolm Prince, but I feel that now is the right time to go.
“Can you hear those dogs barking, honestly, I can’t do anything.
“I want to say thank you very much for listening and for all your emails and all your messages and all the fun I’ve had over the years.
“And also a huge special mention to Malcolm Prince, my producer.
“I’ve been really lucky in my time to have worked with some smashing producers and Malcolm is way up there, believe you me.
“Anyway, thanks very much and good luck to everyone at Radio 2 and long may you continue!”
Malcolm paid tribute to Paul following news of his death as he wrote on Twitter: “Yesterday afternoon, I popped round to Paul’s for a good old catch-up.
“Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing, smiling, and full of life.
“He was so proud of ‘Annie’, so happy to be back on Boom Radio, and he was looking forward to so many new projects.
“And now he’s gone. I can’t believe it. We have lost a unique talent – and I’ve lost a dear friend.
“We were all so lucky to have Paul in our lives. My heart goes out to Andrew, Paul’s family, and friends. Oh how I’ll miss him.”
