[VMPhil]

Because it was a long time ago now I think sometimes it’s hard to remember that in the post-merger Charles Allen era, ITV1 was seen as a downmarket channel with not many programmes of high quality.

Initially the Paul O’Grady Show seemed like another forgettable daytime show that wouldn’t last very long, but it very quickly became a big hit.

I think a lot of it owed to the warm and including nature of the show, Paul used to speak to regular audience members and crew off screen, and it came across like you were part of this cosy little family.

The fact that ITV then quickly lost one of their few hits from this era shows how poorly managed the company was at the time. As mentioned previously, their ludicrous showing of old episodes at the same time against the new episodes on Channel 4 must be one of ITV’s lowest points.

I also really enjoyed the prime time version of the show after he moved back to ITV which I was always sorry wasn’t a bigger success.

And of course his wonderful Radio 2 show which was the perfect accompaniment to Sunday roast.

A natural broadcaster who will be much missed.