The Tastemaker Edit: Paul O’Grady unveils his Christmas wishlist
Comedian, presenter and whiplash-tongued former drag queen, Paul O’Grady needs no introduction.
You’ve probably seen him on the TV at some point or another, whether it was as Lily Savage on Top of the Pops and The Big Breakfast in the 90s, hosting his own chat show The Paul O’Grady Show or more recently as the host of Blind Date, taking the reins from his good friend, the late Cilla Black.
A prominent and vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights, O’Grady is also a well-known animal lover, fronting documentaries like Animal Orphans and For the Love of Dogs, filmed at Battersea Cats and Dogs Home.
Such is his love for four-legged friends, he’s now released a new line of dog food with pet care experts, Burgess Pet Care.
We caught up with O’Grady ahead of Christmas to chat about his plans for the festive season.
2020: what a year. What will Christmas look like for you?
I’ve no idea as it’s impossible to plan anything during this pandemic. It’ll probably be a quiet one.
What’s on your Christmas wishlist this year?
A universal and highly effective vaccine.
What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
I’ve always loved Popeye and when I was five, my uncle - who was a merchant sailor - brought me back a Popeye doll from the States that was bigger than me. I’ve still got him - although he’s a lot smaller these days.
What’s the one item you can’t live without?
It’s not exactly an item but it would be my dogs - and tea.
