As Eurovision fans tuned in to the first live semi-final last night, tissues were at the ready as a late Paul O'Grady made a surprise cameo.
The much-loved TV presenter, who shot to fame with the drag act Lily Savage, died unexpectedly at the age of 67 in March, leaving the whole country in tatters.
O'Grady's husband, Andre Portasio, shared the devastating news on social media, writing: "We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
Advert
"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."
The dog-lover was fondly remembered on Tuesday (9 May) at the first Eurovision semi-final at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool as 15 acts battled for a place in the final on Saturday (13 May).
O'Grady, who was a proud scouser, made a surprise appearance in a 'Welcome to Liverpool' film which the BBC say was one of the last things he filmed before he tragically died.
The emotional video follows a young boy from Liverpool as he finds out the city has been chosen to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
The montage featured a bunch of famous locations from the city preparing for the song contest, including Sefton Park Palm House, the Cavern Club, Anfield and the Albert Dock.
It also featured a handful of famous faces - including Paul Hollywood - plus O'Grady, as well as plenty of locals to the city.
Of course, O'Grady was seen holding one of his beloved dogs in the video as he mopped the floor to 'get Liverpool ready for the event'.
He then looks into the camera with a smile, providing a tearful moment for all watching.
Many Eurovision viewers have flocked to social media since the montage played, with them finding it all too emotional to see O'Grady appear.
"Not even 5 mins in and I’m crying. that wee shot of Paul o’Grady in the intro film!!! #Eurovision," one person on Twitter wrote.
A second added: "So lovely to see Paul O'Grady in that opening and what an opening trailer that was.
"Amazing to see the King and Queen in it too and of course Ukraine the key part of it all."
Meanwhile, a third remarked: "Just started bawling seeing Paul O’Grady in the opening of the Eurovision Semi Final."
Topics: Eurovision, Paul O'Grady, TV and Film
Callum Jones