Craig Revel Horwood cancelled his summer holiday to take on Paul O'Grady's tour dates in 'Annie'.
Craig Revel Horwood honoured his late friend
The 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge was splitting the role of Miss Hannigan with the late star before he died aged 67 from a sudden cardiac arrhythmia in March, and the 58-year-old dancer scrapped plans to head to the Mediterranean with his fiance Jonathan Myring.
He said: "We had planned to go on a one-week holiday on a private yacht but I relinquished that.
"There is pressure to do a fabulous job like he did. We dedicated every show in Liverpool to Paul – all of which ended in rapturous applause.
"It was very special to perform there. I was very honoured."
Following Paul's tragic passing, Craig admitted he was "reeling in disbelief" at the news.
He wrote on Twitter at the time: "I’m in a state of shock this morning, waking up to the news that my gorgeous colleague and friend, Paul O’Grady has passed away.
"I’m actually reeling in disbelief. He was such a wonderful human being, funny and to the point. Paul, legend, RIP darling."
Paul's final appearance in 'Annie' took place in Edinburgh just a few days before his passing.
He had been due to be in the role of Miss Hannigan up until November.
Following Paul's death, the production said in a statement: "Everyone at 'Annie The Musical' is stunned and saddened by the passing of Paul O’Grady.
"An incredible Miss Hannigan and an irreplaceable, hilarious and generous person who we will all miss immensely.
"Our thoughts are with Paul’s family and friends at this very sad time. There will be further news from Annie The Musical in due course."
Craig moved the audience to tears with his words during the curtain call at The Alexandra in Birmingham days after Paul's death as he vowed to dedicate the rest of the run to the tragic star.
Audience member David Jack told Metro.co.uk: "After the final bows, Craig Revel Horwood addressed the audience and said they would like to dedicate this and every performance to the legend Paul O’Grady. There were people in the audience in tears and shouts of, 'We love you, Paul!' You could see him choking up while saying what he did. I think he found it difficult to say anything due to his emotion. "
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