Hundreds of fans queue to see Paul O’Grady’s return to Birkenhead

Oct 8 2008 by Carrie Catterall, Birkenhead News

paul o'grady

PAUL O’Grady was greeted by hundreds of fans on Thursday as he returned home to sign his debut autobiography.

The comedian and chat show host appeared in Waterstone’s, Birkenhead, at 4.30pm to sign a restricted 200 copies of his book At My Mother’s Knee And Other Low Joints.

More than 400 people queued for hours in the rain to catch a glimpse of O’Grady, who was born in St Catherine’s Hospital in 1955.

Many didn’t get his signature in their book but Grace Hughes, 60, of Birkenhead, was one of the lucky ones.

She said: “I queued from 2pm and am really pleased I got to meet him.”

The grandfather-of-one who first came to fame in the guise of Lily Savage thanked his admirers for standing out in the rain and said the whole experience made him feel like Father Christmas.

Raised in Tranmere but now living in Kent, O’Grady was approached by many people who had crossed his path in the past.

Lynn Brooks, of Woodchurch, said: “When Paul signed my book, I showed him a picture taken years ago of his auntie with my mum and me.

“My mum is actually in his book, her name is Nora Fenton but is called Fenlon in the autobiography by mistake.”

O’Grady, who was surrounded by security, said: “I don’t want to go back to London now I’ve come up, but I get into bad company when I’m here.

“I do wish I was up a bit longer though.”

Pete Price, who also attended the signing, has been friends with the television star for years.

He said: “The good thing about Paul is he never forgets his roots.”

If you missed out last week, you can see the 53-year-old in The Paul O’Grady Show, Monday to Friday at 5pm on Channel 4.