Desert Island Discs Revisited

Original version

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Factual: Life Stories

Selected castaway gems from the BBC Desert Island Discs archive.

Desert Island Discs Revisited: Absent Friends 2023: Paul O'Grady

Paul O'Grady

Absent Friends 2023

Desert Island Discs

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Desert Island Discs Revisited, Absent Friends 2023, Paul O'Grady

Entertainer and broadcaster Paul O'Grady is castaway by Sue Lawley.

4 Extra Debut. From Massenet to Nina Simone. Presenter and entertainer Paul O'Grady shares his castaway choices with Sue Lawley. From 2003.

Entertainer and broadcaster Paul O'Grady is castaway by Sue Lawley.

Paul describes a rowdy, loving family life in Merseyside, his love for Manila and working as a care officer with Camden Council. 

His showbiz career was launched by his drag act featuring Lily Savage. She made her debut in London in 1985, when Paul decided to try her out as a compere at the Vauxhall Tavern.  He didn't want Lily to be glamorous "I wanted a hard bitten hooker from Birkenhead with ripped tights and her roots showing".

Paul also talks candidly about his personal relationships and sex life and how he decided women were more demanding than men and finally, that he really preferred his own company.  

He tells the story about his first heart attack at the age of 47 and how he gradually left Lily behind as more mainstream opportunities came his way such as Blankety Blank, The Generation Game and travel shows.  

He later loved to spend time on his farm - with cows, pigs and his beloved dogs and enjoyed the challenge of learning new skills beyond the footlights.

DISC ONE: I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen - Josef Locke
DISC TWO: You Gotta Get A Gimmick - Linda Hart & Anna McNeely, Christine Ebersole
DISC THREE: The Blue Pacific Blues - Rita Hayworth
DISC FOUR: Jules Massenet's Méditation (from Thaïs) - Philippe Graffin
DISC FIVE: I Put A Spell On You - Nina Simone
DISC SIX: Trouble - Elvis Presley
DISC SEVEN: Hurry, It's Lovely Up Here - Barbra Streisand
DISC EIGHT: La Cumparsita - Carlos Gardel

BOOK CHOICE: The Borrowers - Mary Norton
LUXURY CHOICE: Skin so Soft - Avon
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Jules Massenet's Méditation (from Thaïs) - Philippe Graffin

Producer Lisa Jenkinson 

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2003.

Desert Island Discs Revisited: Absent Friends 2023

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Remembering some castaways from Desert Island Discs who passed away in 2023.

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