'I met Paul O'Grady during recording of his hit TV show – this is what he was really like'
Paul O'Grady's teatime talk show was a huge hit with audiences from it's beginnings in 2004 until it ended in 2009.
Shayne Ward talks gym routine on The Paul O'Grady Show
Paul O'Grady's teatime chat show was a favourite with viewers when it began on ITV in 2004 before rebranding as The New Paul O'Grady Show and moving to Channel 4 in 2006. A huge reason for it's popularity was Paul himself and the warmth he exuded through the screen and that wasn't just for show. I attended a recording of the programme after it moved to Channel 4. A friend of mine knew Paul well and when he heard I was going to be in London he orgainised for me to attend as a guest. I have been to a lot of TV recordings and none of them have ever felt so much like family with everyone from the caterer to the runner to the producer treated equally.
The show was still filmed in ITV studios on London's South Bank despite the fact it was broadcast on another channel, and the crowds were huge as I entered the building.
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At the time Paul shot two back to back shows daily, with one going out that day and the other recorded for the following day so Paul had to spend less time in the studios.
Although I was in the guest area prior to the show with plenty of food and drinks, you were only allowed two alcoholic drinks to ensure things didn't get too rowdy.
I opted to attend the second recording which featured Shayne Ward and Pauline Collins as guests. Since Paul was recording the first show when I arrived it was all very sedate as he and his famous canine companion Buster were on set.
When I joined the audience I immediately noticed the atmosphere was different to other shows I had attended. Even though it was the middle of the day there was a real party atmosphere and sense of excitment in the air. Although floor managers were telling the audience what to expect, they were far less military like about it than usual and the emphasis was on having a good time.
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Prior to the show and during the ad breaks, Paul bantered with the audience. While many hosts do this, his chat didn't seem contrived and he really seemed to enjoy having them there.
His researchers had ensured Shayne, who was still riding high on his music success and had yet to turn his hand to acting, would get a warm welcome by organising for some of his superfans to be in the audience. They really made their feelings felt by screaming throughout his appearance and adding to the atmosphere.
Following the recording I returned to the guest area where Paul, and Buster, joined me and others for drinks. Compared to the stressful atmosphere I have witnessed on other shows, this was all very relaxed and all the staff seemed to really enjoy working there. Buster trotted around the area, revelling in the attention he received and Paul enjoyed a few drinks before heading home.
Paul is possibly the only personality who could ever have made a tea time chat show work and generate such excitment about and the love for him was obvious. His death left a huge void in the broadcasting world.
