Birkenhead chat show host Paul O’Grady defends comments about old neighbours in his autobiography

Nov 26 2008 by Sue McCann, Birkenhead News

paul o'grady

CHAT show star Paul O’Grady has said he stands by every word of his autobiography in which he attacks his former Birkenhead neighbours.

Mr O’Grady, who shot to fame as drag act Lily Savage, makes a series of unflattering remarks about Michael Long, who now lives in Flintshire, North Wales, and his parents Rose and George.

Mr O’Grady insists his autobiography is an honest account of how he remembered life as a young boy.

But he said he was sorry if he had upset Michael.

As a youngster, Michael lived near Mr O’Grady, in Birkenhead.

Over eight pages, Mr O’Grady describes his memories of Michael and his family in his recently-published autobiography, Paul O’Grady At My Mother’s Knee And Other Low Joints.

Michael, 58, disabled with a nervous system disorder, said the comments showed them in an “appalling light”.

But Mr ’Grady said it was a “storm in a teacup”.

He said: “I loved growing up on Merseyside, that’s why I based a book on it and that’s why I wanted to have my first book signing in Birkenhead.

“I’ve had so many letters and emails from people saying they remembered growing up there and how much they’ve enjoyed the book.”

He added: “They have taken it the wrong way. If I have upset them, I apologise, but that is how I remember it.”

His book contains a number of derogatory remarks about Mr Long’s family, including describing him as someone who would have been “tagged and Asboed at birth”.

Michael and his partner, Linda, hotly disputed O’Grady’s account of the family.

Michael said: “I’m disgusted. I have loads of witnesses who will testify to what I say.”