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Simon Duke

This Morning's Holly Willoughby confirms last ditch change to show for poignant reason

Holly Willoughby was left visibly moved on Wednesday's This Morning, as she confirmed a last ditch change to the show in the wake of Paul O'Grady's death.

The showbiz world was rocked by the news in the early hours of Wednesday that Paul,. a trailblazing entertainer and activist, had passed away at the age of 67. His death was confirmed by his husband, who revealed that the Lily Savage star had passed away 'unexpectedly but peacefully' on Tuesday evening.

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.”

As tributes continued to flood in for Paul, Holly took to the air to front This Morning, alongside stand-in host Joel Dommett and Holly was quick to announce that there had been alterations made to the show's line-up, to allow tributes to be paid to Paul.

READ MORE: Paul O'Grady dies at 67 as TV star passes away 'unexpectedly' at home

While he has been most famous in recent years for being the star of For The Love of Dogs, hosting his Radio 2 show and bringing back iconic dating show Blind Date, Paul was an integral part of the This Morning team back in the 90s, with his legendary alter ego Lily causing havoc alongside famous former presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, when the studio was based in Liverpool.

Before a montages 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."

Among the clips of Paul in action was one of Lily throwing outfits out of her This Morning dressing room, before another aired of her 'getting drunk' with Richard and Judy live on air..

As the camera cfut back to Holly in the studio, she looked teary eyed, as she and Joel were joined by guests including Vanessa Feltz and Carol Voderman to remember Paul.

Wednesday's This Morning ended just as it started, with a video tribute to his illustrious career, narrated by Holly.

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