ITV aired an hour-long tribute documentary that celebrated the life and career of Paul O’Grady. For The Love of Paul O’Grady, which was broadcast on Sunday, April 9, featured clips from Paul’s career and interviews with some of his closest friends
The film was universally praised by viewers, with many sharing how they’d cried at it. “Already weeping at this 'For the love of Paul O'Grady'. What an amazing, ground breaking, brilliant man,” said one person after watching - read here for other viewer reaction.
A title card at the end of the documentary detailed that the film was “in loving memory” of Paul. Much to viewers’ surprise, the film also honoured the life of Brendan Murphy.
But just who was Brendan Murphy? Here’s everything you need to know.
Who was Brendan Murphy?
Brendan was Paul O’Grady’s closest friend, manager and former lover. He died of a brain tumour two days before Paul’s 50th birthday in 2005.
At the time, The Mirror reported how Paul said: "I'd lost my best mate, someone who'd been in my life for 25 years and saw me through the days when I was lucky to earn £50 for standing on a beer crate in the corner of a pub telling jokes. Murph and I were like brothers - joined at the hip, thick as thieves.
"It transcended any sexual relationship we'd had. This was a partnership. A double act, Emma Peel and Steed, Laurel and Hardy.
"We were both 49, barely able to believe what we'd achieved - I'd just won a BAFTA for the Paul O'Grady Show - and then suddenly bang, he's gone. I remember when I picked that award up I was so astonished, I said to Cilla Black: 'I'll pay for that.' That's me. If I won £200 on the premiums, the next envelope I opened would be a £2,000 bill from the tax man.
"Nothing could have prepared me for what was to come. To watch someone you love - a healthy, eloquent man - unable to speak or walk is hideous."
Paul O'Grady, himself, passed away on Tuesday, March 28 aged 67. The news was confirmed by Paul's husband Andre Portasio. For The Love of Paul O’Grady is available to watch on ITVX.
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