Paul calls on Cilla’s ghost for support
GAA star Anna determined to forge ahead with TV career
Paul O’grady PAUL O’grady has revealed he’s been exorcising the ghost of his best pal Cilla Black.
The TV star, who last night presented The NHS Heroes Awards, was firm friends with the Blind Date host for many years.
And the 62-year-old reckons that he’s been able to feel the presence of his fellow Liverpudlian’s ghost ever since her sad death in 2015.
Paul added he feels Cilla’s presence but prefers to remember her as she was rather than visit her grave.
The For The Love Of Dogs host said: “I’ve actually been exorcising our Cilla. I was very conscious so I’m glad I’ve done it.
“I actually loved doing the exorcising ghosts thing. It was a thrill.” DANCING With The Stars finalist Anna Geary has revealed there are days when she craves a regular pay cheque and is riddled with doubt.
The Cork woman is filming a new series of Ireland’s Fittest Family soon and is keen to do her own TV work.
But the former marketing executive admitted the media industry is precarious.
Anna told the RTE Guide: “Of course – I question myself all the time.
“It’s important people admit they struggle and have moments of self-doubt.
“There are days I wish I was getting a regular pay cheque and guaranteed work.
“With this job,you have to put your best foot forward because you’re your own advertisement.”
The 30-year-old former Cork All-ireland captain is one of the most decorated players in camogie but it was her appearance on Dancing With The Stars which flung her into the limelight.
She said: “There’s pros and cons, of course, to be being known by the public.
“You’re opening a newspaper and you’re reading that
‘Anna Geary is thinking about wedding bells’ and wondering where they got that from.”
The former Cork
Rose of Tralee contestant explained how fame has its downside adding: “There is a bit of your personal space taken away from you and you have to deal with the trolls on social media but you can’t allow it to ruin the experience for you.”
Although in no rush to walk down the aisle she insisted her partner of two years Kevin Sexton is her rock.
She said: “Kev gets the work I do and what I need timewise, especially when it comes to TV work.
“If he wasn’t into sport, I don’t think he’d understand as much and I think it would be harder on a relationship.”
However, the budding TV star insists the best moment of her career remains getting her team to All-ireland glory.
She said: “The highlight was captaining Cork and everything will be compared to that.
“But I’m really loving the space I’m in and I am ready to explore more.”
And agreeing to go on Dancing With The Stars was a no-brainer for Anna.
She explained: “I’ve made this rule, unless there’s a legitimate reason to say no to something, then say yes.
“Even if you make a show of yourself, you learn from it.
“I love challenging myself and stepping out of my comfort zone.”