A tidal wave of tributes but catcalls for the BBC

THE BBC came under fire yesterday over its gushing tribute to Paul O’Grady – delivered six months after he was axed by Radio 2.

Listeners reacted with anger when the broadcaster put a post on social media praising the ‘brilliant broadcaster’ and ‘incredible comedian’.

The Royal Family, Hollywood heavyweights and British TV stalwarts all paid tribute to O’Grady following his shock death at the age of 67, highlighting the extent of his popularity and reach during his decades-long career.

But fans of the star – who left his long-running Radio 2 show in August – said the BBC’s post was ‘shallow’ and ‘self- serving’ because the station had treated him ‘shabbily’.

O’Grady left Radio 2 last year after schedule changes saw him sharing his Sunday afternoon slot with younger comedian Rob Beckett, taking alternate stints of 13 weeks at a time.

In its social media tribute to the star Radio 2 said the station was ‘incredibly saddened’ by his death, adding: ‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We’ll miss you Paul.’

But the post upset some listeners. Former BBC radio presenter Liz Kershaw wrote: ‘Apparently BBC Radio 2 will miss Paul O’Grady. Hypocrites.’

Another wrote: ‘Hollow words after forcing him off his show really.’ On the station’s Facebook post, one responded: ‘I find your post shallow and selfserving.’ Another said it was ‘unforgivable how he was forced out.’ O’Grady had been one of a growing list of older presenters that have left the sta

‘Knowledge, wit and incisive opinions’

tion such as Ken Bruce, 72, and Vanessa Feltz, 61.

Yesterday everyone from the Queen Consort to Tom Hardy and Sir Elton John told of their sadness over the loss of the comedian and presenter.

After her appearance on his show For the Love of Dogs last year, Camilla posted on social media: ‘Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul O’Grady, who worked closely with Her Majesty in support of @Battersea, providing lots of laughter and many waggy-tailed memories.’

Sir Elton shared a photo of himself with O’Grady in character as drag alter ego Lily Savage and revealed O’Grady had hosted his stag party before his civil partnership to David Furnish in 2005.

‘A brilliant entertainer, wit, and supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and the fight against AIDS and HIV,’ he said.

Actor Tom Hardy, who also appeared on For the Love of Dogs said: ‘Such a lovely, lovely human. Thank you for all you have done, the laughter and the kindness and for your love of dogs.’

Actor Richard E Grant, who appeared on Mr O’Grady’s chat show, said his ‘knowledge, wit and incisive opinions were boundless’.

A host of British TV stars also paid tribute, including Holly Willoughby, Zoe Ball, Amanda Holden, Julian Clary, Denise Van Outen, Dawn French, Sheridan Smith, Paul Hollywood and Carol Vorderman.

An emotional Lorraine Kelly fought back tears as she spoke on Good Morning Britain, saying: ‘Every time you think of him and you remember, you just smile and you laugh.’

Rob Brydon said Mr O’Grady was ‘a lovely, warm and caring man with a lightning fast and devastating wit’ while Sandi Toksvig said that working with him ‘was one of the greatest pleasures of my life’, adding: ‘Funny, fearless and full of rage. The best. The world seems a little less bright.’