Connect with us


Interviews

Paul O’Grady’s Saturday Night Line Up | Interview with Paul O’Grady

Published

on


What enticed you back to Saturday night entertainment?!

Two years ago, before COVID, we did a pilot for this show and then COVID hit and nothing happened. I thought it had gone away but then they wanted to film more and because I like Elstree Studios I said, ‘Oh go on then, I’ll do it.’ The pilot was very raucous because people let their hair down because they know it’s not going out, and I thought it would never get commissioned unless they showed it at three in the morning! But it was commissioned with us toning it down a bit!

It was a real change because everything I do is on location, and I’m often with animals and not humans, so I wanted to see if I can still communicate with human beings! See if I’ve still got any social skills left.

Can you explain / describe how the format of the show works?

Advertisement

A question will be asked, for example, who would be the most likely to make a fool of themselves at a celebrity party? And then the four guests have to decide amongst themselves who they think is the most likely, and rank themselves in positions one to four. They all tell a little anecdote relating to the question and then they line up in the order they think the public have put them in.

Also each week there is a question from another celebrity, so the first week, Sharon Osbourne dials in with a question, one week it’s Cliff Richard, another week it’s Nigel Havers.

Then at the end there’s a quickfire round where they only have ten seconds to get in the right order as the questions appear on the screen behind them – it’s pandemonium, ‘Hurry up, hurry up, quick quick,’ – they’re running around like headless chickens trying to decide.

Was part of the appeal that this is not a typical talk show, but has a real twist to it?

Advertisement

Yes, it’s a different way of hearing someone tell a story. I remember when Diana Rigg was a guest when I was doing the chat show and everybody said, ‘Don’t mention The Avengers.’ But I said, ‘I’m Avengers mad, she knows this.’ And when she came on, I said, ‘You’re the reason I moved to London.’ And she said, ‘Why?’ and I said, ‘Because of The Avengers.’ And of course, off we went. I’d just gone in a different way. We talked about all the catsuits she wore and how difficult they were to get off. It was just a different way to getting chatting than just saying, ‘Tell me about The Avengers.’ If you go in a different way, you get a good story. And that’s what happened with these guests, they all came out with great stories. They didn’t need much nudging from me, they just came out with it. They’re talking about themselves. They just came on to play the game and talk about themselves.

It was such a fun show to make. Sometimes when you’re filming a chat show, it can be like pulling teeth, you sometimes just get, ‘Yes, no, don’t know’ answers, but on this show, there was none of that, it was like pulling the plug and then it flowed. Everyone was so relaxed.

Who has been your favourite guest so far?

There have been so many, and so many wonderful people who I haven’t seen for ages. Like Mica Paris. I’m a huge fan of Mica, and she’s got the best voice going. And she’s a great actress.

Advertisement

And Jack Dee, I first met Jack over 30 years ago, and Jo Brand. I’d only ever said hello to Judge Rinder before, but gosh, he’s such fun. He’s hilarious. We were sat there open-mouthed with some of the stuff he came out with.

They were all good value. Joanna Page can talk for Wales, but she’s glorious, she’s a lovely actor and she’s such a lovely person.

Omid Djalili is another favourite of mine, he’s the best Fagin I’ve ever seen on stage. He’s a smashing bloke.

My mates are on it too, like Sally Lindsay, Boy George, Rupert Everett. Everyone came out with various anecdotes that were funny.

Advertisement

Do the guests all start off being very modest about where they place themselves in the line up?!

A little bit, at the beginning it’s all a bit polite and then it just gets a bit raucous. I really enjoyed it. It was like talking to friends really for an hour or two and then go home. It was very pleasant.

Has anyone taken huge offence at the result of the public poll to a question?

No, thank goodness. And when they’re picked in the bottom spot, I feel terrible for them, I say, ‘Listen, take no notice! It’s only a game.’

Advertisement

Who has been the most competitive?

Boy George was quite competitive, he’s great fun though. And no-one wears a hat like Boy George, I’m so envious. He wears these wonderful hats and if I put one of those on, I’d get locked up. They’re lovely. They’re sort of like stove pipe hats but with a modern twist.

Any full-on arguments yet putting themselves in line?!

Nothing serious but lots of, ‘You should stand there, no, no, no, it won’t be me, you stand there, no honestly.’ They were all very polite but pushing each other into the best spot. It was very funny watching them. They were very nice to each other and quite shy about where they should stand.

Advertisement

Arlene Phillips was a hoot. She kept organising people saying, ‘No, you stay there, you stand there.’ They’re all gabbling together and the audience is all shouting and joining in.

What has been the funniest moment filming?

I think something with Judge Rinder because I always assumed he was a serious judge. I talked to him about when I trained as a Magistrate’s Clerk when I was 17 and he was amazed. He said, ‘So you know about law then?’ I said, ‘I know how to break it!’ And he was coming out with all sorts. He was foul-mouthed and so funny. And he’s such a nice man as well.

There is a socially distanced live audience (albeit wearing masks), was that important to you?

Advertisement

Yes, they’re all socially distanced and it’s only a third full, and everyone is wearing masks. It was very odd, all you could see was a sea of eyes and it felt like being watched by frogspawn! All the crew was masked up too. They could all be sitting there with faces like they’ve been poisoned and you wouldn’t know. But it was the right thing, as we were coming out of lockdown. I’d been filming in Kent and at Battersea, but to go into an enclosed space again, which I hadn’t done for so long, was a little bit odd at first. Walking in, you feel like it’s strange, there’s no hugging or anything. But then after a while it just becomes normal.

Who is easiest to work with, animals or celebrities?

I think animal because I get on so well with them, but they can disgrace you and decide to mount you on camera or wee on you – thankfully none of the celebrities does that!

Who would be a dream guest for the show?

Advertisement

If I could pick anyone I’d have Bette Davis. I’m a huge fan of hers, on and off the screen. She was such a force to deal with, such a powerhouse. Imagine what she’d come out with!


Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

General Hospital Today General Hospital Today
News54 mins ago

General Hospital, March 29, 2024, ABC,

Friday’s episode of General Hospital airing March 29, 2024 at 2.00pm on ABC, explores the fallout from Jason Morgan’s recent...

Good Morning America Good Morning America
News55 mins ago

Sheryl Crow, Good Morning America, March 29, 2024, ABC,

On Friday, March 29, Good Morning America presents a special celebration of the 10th year of the hit Broadway musical...

Days of Our Lives Days of Our Lives
News60 mins ago

Days of Our Lives, March 29, 2024, Peacock

On Friday, March 29, in the world of Days of Our Lives, Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) has a change of...

The Drew Barrymore Show The Drew Barrymore Show
News1 hour ago

Eugene Levy, The Drew Barrymore Show, March 29, 2024, CBS,

In the latest episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, airing on CBS on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:00 AM,...

CBS Mornings CBS Mornings
News1 hour ago

Diarra Kilpatrick, CBS Mornings, March 29, 2024

On Friday, March 29th, CBS Mornings will feature a special guest: Diarra Kilpatrick. Kilpatrick is not only the executive producer...

The Jennifer Hudson Show The Jennifer Hudson Show
News1 hour ago

Jenna Dewan, The Jennifer Hudson Show, March 29, 2024,

On Friday, March 29, The Jennifer Hudson Show brings viewers a delightful Spring Celebration. One of the highlights of the...

The Kelly Clarkson Show The Kelly Clarkson Show
News1 hour ago

Brittany Howard, Mayan Lopez, The Kelly Clarkson Show, March 29, 2024, NBC Syndicated

On Friday, March 29, The Kelly Clarkson Show presents an episode filled with incredible segments One of the highlights is...

LIVE with Kelly and Mark LIVE with Kelly and Mark
News1 hour ago

Andrea Riseborough, Jessica Capshaw, Live with Kelly and Mark, 29 March 2024, ABC

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos—the hosts of Live with Kelly and Mark—welcome actress Jessica Capshaw and Alice & Jack star...

ITV1 Title Card ITV1 Title Card
News5 hours ago

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen, 30 March 2024, ITV1

Set in her beautiful Cotswolds home, Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen sees the legendary cook share her favourite recipes, as well...

Bargain Hunt Bargain Hunt
News6 hours ago

Bargain Hunt, 1 April 2024, BBC One, “Asian Special”

In a special Asian-focused episode of Bargain Hunt, presenter Roo Irvine delves into some of the program’s most remarkable finds...

Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics
News1 day ago

Nissan Figaro & Ferrari 250 GT, Bangers & Cash, March 28, 2024, Yesterday

On Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 8:00 PM., Yesterday presents a brand new episode of Bangers & Cash. This reality...

Big Mood Big Mood
News1 day ago

Big Mood Episode 2, 28 March 2024, Channel 4, “Down”

Continue the laughter and heartfelt moments with the second episode of Big Mood on Thursday, 28 March 2024 at 10:30...

Rob Beckett's Smart TV Rob Beckett's Smart TV
News1 day ago

Natasia Demetriou, Anna Maxwell-Martin, Cush Jumbo, Romesh Ranganathan, Rob Beckett’s Smart TV, 28 March 2024, Sky Max,

Rob Beckett’s Smart TV is back with another entertaining episode on Thursday 28 March 2024 at 9:00 PM on Sky...

Trucking Hell Trucking Hell
News1 day ago

Trucking Hell, 28 March 2024, 5Action

On Thursday 28 March 2024 at 9:00 PM., Trucking Hell returns with an action-packed episode that takes viewers into the...

A&E After Dark A&E After Dark
News1 day ago

A&E After Dark, 28 March 2024, 5STAR,

Its another intense and gripping night at Tunbridge Wells A&E as A&E After Dark returns with a new episode on...

Big Mood Big Mood
News1 day ago

Series Premiere, Big Mood, 28 March 2024, Channel 4, “Up”

Gear up for a hilarious and heartfelt comedy as Big Mood makes its debut on Channel 4 on Thursday, 28...

Popular