THE late Wirral-born entertainer Paul O'Grady could be posthumously given the freedom of the borough as part of council plans to pay tribute to his legacy.

Since his death on March 28, there have been many calls for Wirral Council to officially honour him.

The authority acknowledged at the time that it would be looking at a number of ways to do this.

The then council leader, Cllr Janette Williamson, who put forward the motion asking councillors to posthumously bestow the highest honour it has - the Freedom of the Borough.

This motion will be recommended for approval to members of the Regulatory and General Purposes Committee when it meets next Wednesday (June 7). Members of the public can tune into the live stream of this meeting from 6pm that day on the council website.

Read more > IN PICTURES: How Birkenhead paid tribute to Paul O'Grady

Freedom of the Borough is just one of the ways Wirral Council is looking to celebrate the achievements of the homegrown star - who first found fame as the self-proclaimed 'Blonde Bombsite' Lily Savage.

These are in recognition, not just of the years he spent entertaining people across the country, but also of his dedicated activism and charity work.

Wirral Globe: Paul O'Grady died on March 28, aged 67Paul O'Grady died on March 28, aged 67 (Image: PA Wire / PA Images)

The council outlined its plans in a tweet, which read: "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.

"The Freedom of the Borough is the highest award the council can bestow and will be discussed at the Regulatory and General Purposes Committee on Wednesday 7 June. Members of the public can tune into the live stream of the Regulatory and General Purposes Committee on Wednesday 7 June from 6pm via our website "

 

 

During his TV career, Paul hosted The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs.

He was also the host of the ITV celebrity game show, Paul O’Grady’s Saturday Night Line Up.

In August 2022, he presented his final BBC Radio 2 show, having hosted the Sunday afternoon programme for nearly 14 years.

Read more: Wirral Council plans 'fitting celebration' of Paul O'Grady's life

Paul was born in Birkenhead. His mother’s maiden name was Savage which is believed to have inspired his famous drag alter ego.

He began his career performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s whilst working as a peripatetic care officer for Camden Council, going on to tour northern England as part of drag duo the Playgirls.

O’Grady’s career as Savage took off with TV and radio appearances in character and he was eventually asked to take over from Paula Yates as The Big Breakfast presenter as Savage from 1995 to 1996.

He was made an MBE in the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to entertainment and attended the ceremony with his daughter Sharyn Mousley.