This Morning viewers found themselves being reduced to tears as the show made a special change as the latest episode came to an end. Holly Willoughby was back at the helm of the ITV daytime show on Wednesday (March 29) when she was joined by a new co-host.
After an all-female takeover with Alison Hammond at the start of the week, the 42-year-old returned to the small screen alongside Joel Dommett. The comedian and presenter was drafted in to replace Phillip Schofield as he takes the week off from hosting duties on the popular programme.
After welcoming Joel to the programme, Holly and her new co-star cracked on with the show which began with paying tribute to Paul O'Grady following his death. The TV star and comedian died 'unexpectedly' on Tuesday evening (March 28), his partner Andre Portasio confirmed in a statement released in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Mr Portasio said in his statement: "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."
He added: "He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion. I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
Before a montage of some of Paul's TV best bits played out on screen, Holly looked down the camera lens to remark: "We are of course starting today by paying tribute to the wonderful Paul O'Grady. An incredible entertainer, a passionate animal rights campaigner, a husband and friend and a very familiar face on the This Morning sofa."
Showing a string of clips of Paul in action on the ITV daytime, one showed Paul as his alter-ego Lily Savage throwing outfits out of her This Morning dressing room, before another aired of her 'getting drunk' with original hosts Richard and Judy live on air.
As the camera cut back to the studio, Holly and Joel were joined by guests including Vanessa Feltz and Carol Voderman to remember Paul. Visibly moved by the clips and the news of his passing, Holly told their guest: "Oh, it doesn't feel real...it came as a shock to everybody this morning, waking up and hearing that news."
Vanessa later returned for a phone-in where former Coronation Street star Sally Lindsay shared a tearful tribute to her friend. The hosts and Vanessa also heard from others who had met or worked with Paul over the years.
Then, as the emotional show came to a close, Holly introduced another tribute to the entertainer. The mum-of-three could did a voice over for the short montage which documented Paul's life and career.
And This Morning viewers rushed to social media to comment. @LrnDanielle12 tweeted: "I'm pregnant, emotional and just nearly cried at the Paul O’Grady dedication at the end of #ThisMorning what a guy who will be missed."
@AndyJamesMichel commented: "THAT BROKE ME #ThisMorning." @kellymew_ shared: "That was beautiful, sleep well Mr O’Grady #ThisMorning." @JoviGirl_1980 added: "Loved #PaulOGrady #LilySavage. Absolutely gutted #ThisMorning."
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