Bradley Walsh hailed Paul O'Grady "an irreplaceable class act" as he returned to host the first series of 'Blankety Blank' since his late predecessor's passing.
'Blankety Blank' returned with a tribute to Paul O'Grady
The comedian transformed into his drag alter ego Lily Savage on the iconic game show, which he hosted between 1998 and 2002, with Bradley fronting the reboot since 2021.
After Paul's sudden death aged 67 in March, Bradley, 63, paid a touching tribute to the TV legend as the programme returned at the weekend.
He told The Sun's TV Mag: "Paul was an absolute genius, and his passing is a great loss.
"There was something so wonderful about his character Lily Savage. She had the most cutting tongue and could get away with just about anything. I was lucky enough to feature as a contestant on the show when Lily was presenting. Paul was an irreplaceable class act."
Meanwhile, Paul's career will be the focus of a new ITV documentary.
The popular TV presenter is set to be remembered with a new special that will chart his journey from edgy drag queen Lily Savage to a beloved chat show host.
A source told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre TV column: "He occupies a special place in the hearts of everyone at ITV and this is part of paying further tribute to him.
"This is an interesting angle to take to look back on Paul’s career, but making the leap from edgy drag queen to a household name and star of teatime telly is a story worth exploring."
Paul - who hosted ‘For The Love of Dogs’ on ITV for 11 seasons - died "unexpectedly and peacefully" at home, according to his husband Andre Portasio.
He said in a statement at the time: "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 to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
Paul's death was followed by lots of heartfelt tributes from his showbiz pals, including TV presenter Carol Vorderman.
She said on BBC Radio 4: "He just fizzed, he was one of those people that just made you feel every part of you was alive.
"He exploded through the daft, made-up rules of society. He was a massive talent, but you can't forget he was a social worker when he was younger, he saved babies and young children from abuse, he lived in Soho before it was gentrified, he never judged the vulnerable, the weak, the misunderstood."
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