Paul O’Grady fans emotional as late star makes appearance in Eurovision semi-final

Paul O’Grady fans were left emotional after the late star made a cameo appearance last night in a video for the Eurovision semi-final 2023.

Viewers watching the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, in Liverpool, were in tears just moments in as the late Paul O’Grady appeared on screen in one of his final TV appearances before his passing. 

The Birkenhead-born comedian and TV presenter died suddenly at his home in Kent on March 28th.

On Tuesday May 9th fans filled the M&S Bank Arena as the international competition got under way in Merseyside, with Paul making his cameo during the opening film titled Welcome to Liverpool — where the Eurovision is being hosted on behalf of 2022 winners, Ukraine. 

As 160 million people watched on, the film began with the moment a young Liverpudlian boy discovered that his home city was set to host the 2023 contest. He travelled across the city telling his family, friends, neighbours that the world’s greatest music competition was arriving.

Along the way viewers saw some special guests with their own personal connection to Liverpool making their own preparations to welcome Ukraine to the city, including Paul who was cleaning his floor while cradling one of his beloved dogs.

This was one of the last things Paul filmed before he passed away and his appearance in the film was agreed with the blessing of his family and friends.

The film then cut to two children in tracksuits, including the boy from the story, with a slower version of Together In Electric Dreams.

One fan approved of the sweet tribute, saying: ‘A gorgeous little nod to the great and utterly fabulous Paul O’Grady in the opening titles to #Eurovision.’

Someone else put: “Three minutes into #Eurovision and I’m already bawling – not least due to the poignant opening cameo by my favourite fellow Scouser, Paul O’Grady.” 

Another added: “A gorgeous little nod to the great and utterly fabulous Paul O’Grady in the opening titles.” 

Throughout the journey, a number of celebrities and recognisable faces make an appearance who have their own personal connection to the city, including a special guest appearance from the newly-crowned King Charles III and Queen Camilla. 

Their Majesties unveiled the staging for the contest during a visit to the host city last month.

The other faces that featured in Welcome to Liverpool video included Wirral-born baker Paul Hollywood, Ukrainian Everton football star Vitalii Mykolenko, Liverpool FC women’s footballers Sofie Lungaard from Denmark and Emma Koivisto from Finland.

As well as actor Ricky Tomlinson who revisits his Brookside character Bobby Grant, Ukrainian Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin and Drag Race UK contestant Sister Sister.