Craig Revel Horwood was overcome with emotion as he and the cast of Annie paid tribute to Paul O’Grady during their first performance following the death of their co-star.
Performances of the UK tour of the musical were halted out of respect for O’Grady, who shared the role of Miss Hannigan with Strictly Come Dancing judge Revel Horwood.
But now an audience member has revealed a touching moment which took place during the final bows of the first show back in Birmingham on March 3.
“After the final bows, Craig Revel Horwood addressed the audience and said they would like to dedicate this and every performance to the legend Paul O’Grady,” they told Metro.
“There were people in the audience in tears and shouts of, ‘We love you, Paul!’, some of the cast looked emotional but the performance under the circumstances was outstanding, especially from the young cast.’
The onlooker also shared how Revel Horwood appeared to struggle to convey his thoughts as he paid tribute to his friend and colleague.
They added: “You could see him choking up while saying what he did. I think he found it difficult to say anything due to his emotion.”
Professional dancer Revel Horwood had previously admitted that he had been left “reeling in disbelief” after news broke of the star’s passing.
Sharing a tribute on Twitter at the time alongside an image of O’Grady as Miss Hannigan, he wrote: “I’m in a state of shock this morning, waking up to the news that my gorgeous colleague and friend Paul O’Grady has passed away.
“I’m actually reeling in disbelief. He was such a wonderful human being, funny and to the point. Paul, legend, RIP darling.”
O’Grady died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on March 28. In a statement announcing O’Grady’s death, his husband Andre Portasio said: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
“We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.”
