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Eurovision Song Contest fans were feeling emotional just minutes into the first semi-final of the song contest after Paul O’Grady made a posthumous appearance.
Fans filled the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool as the international competition got under way in Merseyside, with Paul making his cameo during the opening film titled Welcome to Liverpool.
As 160 million people watched on, the film began with the moment a young Liverpudlian boy discovers that his home city is set to host the 2023 contest before travelling across the city telling his friends and family the news.
Throughout the journey, a number of celebrities and recognisable faces make an appearance who have their own personal connection to the city.
O’Grady is one of those people, and is seen preparing his home in anticipation of Eurovision’s arrival, mopping the floor while holding one of his beloved dogs.
Wearing a red polka dot apron with his sleeves rolled up, the Blind Date star looks in his element.
The Wirral-born TV personality and comedian recorded the cameo before his death last month.
One fan approved the sweet tribute: ‘A gorgeous little nod to the great and utterly fabulous Paul O’Grady in the opening titles to #Eurovision.’
‘Paul O’Grady in the intro: sobbing,’ another added about the short clip.
A fellow Liverpudlian shared his emotional reaction to the appearance: ‘Three minutes into #Eurovision and I’m already bawling – not least due to the poignant opening cameo by my favourite fellow Scouser, Paul O’Grady.’
Their sentiments were echoed by another viewer: ‘Not even 5 mins in and I’m crying. that wee shot of Paul o’Grady in the intro film!!!’
‘Paul wasn’t a fan of Eurovision as I’m sure you all know, but it turned out to be the last bit of filming he did.’
Replying to comments from fans, Prince added: ‘He was never a fan of it, bless him.’
He elsewhere confirmed that O’Grady will feature on another animal-related programme set in Thailand that will air ‘soon’ on ITV, having ‘completed’ the series in December.
The second Eurovision semi-final is due to air on Thursday at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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