Grand National Festival countdown 🥳

Open search Close search

Close menu

Entertainment

Paul O’Grady set to receive the Freedom of Wirral

10 months ago

Paul O’Grady set to receive the Freedom of Wirral
Freshfields Animal Rescue has been chosen for the Paul O'Grady Tribute Fund. Photo Credit PA

Paul O’Grady could be posthumously awarded the Freedom of Wirral as part of plans to pay tribute to the Merseyside born comic and personality.

Councillors will vote next week on whether to award the honorary freedom of the borough to the TV presenter, who was born in Birkenhead, Wirral, and died in March at the age of 67.

Paul grew up here in Merseyside but later moved to London, where he found fame as his drag alter-ego Lily Savage and went on to host a string of television programmes.

Paul O'Grady, as Lily Savage. Credit: PA
Paul O’Grady, as Lily Savage. Credit: PA

In a statement, Wirral Council said:

“Since the sad passing of Birkenhead’s legendary entertainer Paul O’Grady in March, we’ve heard the many asks for us to celebrate his legacy and we agree.

“The first step in doing so will see councillors consider a recommendation to bestow the star – who first found fame as the self-proclaimed ‘blonde bombsite’ Lily Savage – with the honour of freedom of the borough.

“This would recognise his years entertaining the nation, along with his dedicated activism and charity work.

“We are also looking at other ways to pay tribute to the legacy of both Paul and Lily – more details will be shared as soon as we have them.”

Councillors will discuss the award at a regulatory and general purposes committee on Wednesday, June 7.

The agenda item for the meeting states: “This is a very significant step for the council to take.

“Very few people have been awarded this status and, it should only be awarded to someone who has made an exceptional contribution to the borough.”

Read 10 moments that shaped the career of Paul O’Grady HERE.

Share

Tags

The Guide Liverpool

About Us

We showcase the very best of Liverpool City Region through stunning video features and keep residents and visitors updated on what's on and what's good. About Us

The Guide Liverpool

Meet Our Team 👋

Meet Our Team
Eurovision 2023 - Jay And Gem - The Guide Liverpool Video Production

The Guide Liverpool

Video Production & Advertising

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse quis eros sit amet mi eleifend tincidunt. Services