The late comedian Paul O’Grady was presented with a posthumous award at the 2023 NTAs just six months on from his death and, in truly fitting fashion, a cute little dog accepted it on his behalf.
We’re not crying, you are.
That’s right, barely half a year after the legendary British comedian died at the age of 67, O’Grady was honoured with another National Television Award — his 14th in total — for the much-loved ITV show, For The Love of The Dogs.
Winning in the factual entertainment category, a team of people who worked on the show, along with representatives from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home took the stage to receive the token of recognition and, in a tear-jerking twist, so did a rescue dog named Wiley.
Everyone’s new favourite dog accepts a National Television Award on O’Grady’s behalf.
As you can see, the best part of all was that as the little Terrier was led up on stage and as Battersea Veterinary Director Shaun Opperman began to speak, Wiley had other ideas. Just as many remarked on social media, “The dog stole the show”.
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Barking throughout Opperman’s speech, you couldn’t help but well up watching his excited little face and his tail wagging as the room filled with a chorus of awwing, cheering and laughing, with the pup well and truly living up to his name.
When he did manage to get a word in, the Battersea boss said: “I would like to thank Paul, of course, and the ITV team… for shining a light on the care that we’re able to provide for the 100 or more dogs and cats that come to Battersea every week.”
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“I know that Paul cared deeply for each and every one of those animals. I think that something about their plight and their vulnerability really struck a chord with Paul. He often referred to Battersea as his second home.”
The reaction on social media was just as you’d expect: countless viewers were brought to tears and left “blubbering wrecks” at the undeniably touching scenes.
Although the dog’s speech, for lack of a better word, did keep things light and spirits high, you could see there was plenty of emotion on the stage too, as O’Grady’s deep love and long-term relationship with the national rescue centre and animal charity was well known.
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As one person commented, “This was so moving. Paul will always be loved. Such a caring soul.” Although there have been countless tributes to the national treasure since his passing, we can’t think of a better one than a lovely little dog being celebrated front and centre in his name.
Elsewhere at the NTAs this year, Oldham’s very own Sarah Lancashire baffled millions of viewers with her indecipherable accent. No, she’s not really from Yorkshire and she doesn’t sound very Manc either.
Salford confirms another ex-player as new CEO of phoenix rugby club
Danny Jones
As Salford turns the page of a new chapter in its rugby league history, ex-Red Devils player Ryan Brierley has been announced as the new chief executive officer (CEO).
His appointment was confirmed on Wednesday, 24 December, giving Salford rugby fans some fresh hope over the festive period.
Brierley, who played as a full back at Salford Red Devils from 2022 before leaving for Oldham RLFC halfway through last season earlier this year, follows fellow former player Mason Caton-Brown in returning to the team in a leadership capacity.
Sharing the news on his own social media, he wrote: “Incredibly honoured to announce I have been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Salford RLFC.”
His official statement goes on to read: “I would like to place on record my gratitude to the board members Malcolm Crompton, Mason Caton Brown and Paul Hancock for this opportunity. I would also like to thank the RFL and Salford City Council for their continued support.
“Lastly, but most importantly, to the Salford fans: what we had to go through last year was heartbreaking. I think I can speak to the wider Rugby League community and echo the sentiments of all fans that no club should ever go through that experience.
“Thank you for letting me lead this organisation into a new era. I’ve always said Salford people are my people and I will protect this club, with its best interests at heart. It is important [that] expectations are managed, and patience is required.”
He signed off by simply asking for the same support he was afforded as a fan, adding: “I have no doubt in my mind that you will go above and beyond, it’s just what Salford fans do…”
Led by the aforementioned Caton-Brown (a retired winger who played for the Red Devils between 2014-26), as well as another pair of directors in Hancock and Crompton, the Salford phoenix club has officially been given a Championship license for 2026.
Although relegation from the Super League and liquidation after 152 years were dark days for the club, this new consortium has already provided fans with some promising signs.
Besides saving the Salford sporting institution from total extinction, having previous members of the old outfit who know the bones, the stadium, the culture and the city so well is obviously a big bonus.
For now, it is a race against time to get a squad ready for the season opener against Brierley’s last team, Oldham – though contracts for a head coach and several players have reportedly been “pre-agreed”.
Featured Images — John Moorhouse (via Geograph)/supplied (via Rumpus PR)
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Netflix drops the first trailer for upcoming Peaky Blinders film
Danny Jones
It looks like Christmas has come early for TV drama fans and cinephiles, because Netflix has officially dropped the first trailer for the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie.
Popcorn at the ready – even the teaser alone has got us fired up.
ln just 70 seconds, they’ve managed to pull us right back in, and we cannot wait to see Cillian Murphy back in full-on Tommy Shelby mode.
Not exaggerating when we say we have LITERAL chills.
As you can see, they certainly haven’t scrimped on the budget with the first-ever feature-length Peaky Blinders film, neither in terms of production value nor the cast.
Then again, having already hosted the likes of Sam Neill, Tom Hardy, Adrien Brody, Anya Taylor-Joy and others in the series itself, as well as going on to become one of the most successful BBC shows of all time, they were never going to.
We’re sure you spotted plenty of them for yourselves, but the debut trailer for The Immortal Man gives us not only our first glimpses of now Oscar-winning Murphy, 49, back in the saddle (both figuratively and literally) but also fellow blockbuster Irish actor, Barry Keoghan.
Other big names set to appear in the movie – set for a limited release in theatres before launching exclusively on Netflix – include Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Roth. It still remains unclear, however, as to how any of these characters will knit into the new season.
It’s also worth noting that the trailer shares a little snippet of the historical context, this continuation of the Shelby story is playing into, as we see what looks to be Nazi figures meeting on screen.
Creator Steven Knight has already confirmed that the plot will fast-forward some years to meet back up with Tommy at the outset of WWII and his ancestral home of Birmingham during the Blitz.
Having already confirmed 6 March as the theatrical release date ahead of it going live on Netflix a fortnight later, the anticipation was seriously starting to ramp; this latest look has only added to the tinderbox of excitement.
What do you make of the Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man trailer, and will you be watching it?
Danny Jones -
6th September 2023 
