COMEDY STAR’S
TWO Doors Down star Grado reveals he is broken hearted his beloved mum never got to meet his new baby daughter. The actor and wrestler, who lost his “biggest fan” Maureen to cancer in 2018, says the hardest part about becoming a dad is his little girl will never get to meet her gran.
Grado’s girlfriend Stephanie Breen gave birth to their daughter five weeks ago on November 9, and he named her Perrie Maureen Stevely in memory of his mum.
The larger-than-life Scot Squad actor said: “I’m just loving being a dad but the hardest part is my lovely mum isn’t here to see it. It definitely is. My baby girl’s name is Perrie Maureen Stevely. That’s my way of paying tribute to her. She would have been so happy to see me with a baby.
“Perrie is my double, my spitting image – poor lassie – and my mum would have just loved that. Folk say I look like my mum so I suppose Perrie looks like her too.
“This time of year is particularly hard as mum died on December 17, which is one of the reasons why I like to be busy doing panto. I don’t like having too much time to sit and think.”
Grado, whose real name is Graeme Stevely, says his mum would also be tickled pink that his Two Doors Down character plays such a big part in this year’s Christmas special.
The Go Radio DJ and Joy McAvoy, sister of Hollywood star James, joined the cast of the hit BBC sitcom in the final episode of series three as new neighbours Alan and Michelle.
Over the seasons they have become more and more involved and this year the Latimer Crescent Christmas gathering takes place in the couple’s house.
Grado, who is now one of Scotland’s busiest comedy actors, said: “My mum was my biggest fan and her favourite programme was Two Doors Down.
“We used to watch it together every week. She died before seeing me in the show but she knew I got the part. She was the first person I phoned when I heard.
“She will be proud looking down and seeing how well I’m doing on the show and I’m sure she would be delighted the festive special is in Alan and Michelle’s house. It’s immense.
“Our characters are being given more and more air time and in the new series we are in five out of the seven episodes, which is incredible. It means viewers must like us.”
Grado, who also plays Officer Hugh McKirdy in spoof cop drama Scots Squad, added: “I am so proud to be part of the show. It’s a dream role. I have been a big fan since the very first episode. People used to post on Twitter saying I should be on it.
“The popularity of the show has gone through the roof, especially with lockdown and folk having time to watch boxsets. To be a bigger part of actual show is incredible.”
Having been away in the Highlands last year, the Two Doors Gang are back on home turf but as ever the festive