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”.
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.”
“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.
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.
‘Eyesore’ Northern Quarter car park to be redeveloped as ambitious new neighbourhood
Emily Sergeant
An underused multi-storey car park in the heart of the city centre is set to be sold and redeveloped as an ‘ambitious’ new neighbourhood.
The ‘eyesore’ car park situated in Manchester’s iconic Northern Quarter will be transformed into what Manchester City Council is hoping will become a green and sustainable neighbourhood set to complement the ‘unique and independent’ ethos of the area.
It comes after developers CBRE were appointed by the Council last year to market the Church Street site for disposal, ahead of seeking formal planning permission.
The new scheme will deliver more than 300 new homes – including 60 affordable homes – alongside new commercial opportunities and high-quality public spaces.
A before and proposed after of Church Street Car Park / Credit: Manchester City Council
It’s expected that the development will respect the heritage and architecture of the historic city centre neighbourhood and help to enhance the wider area, all while improving a car park site that has long fallen out of favour.
The new neighbourhood will also feature four new public squares and green spaces, along with opportunities for pedestrianising the surrounding streets as part of the public realm.
As mentioned, commercial space is also part of the plans, as the ground floor of the building will offer a mix of smaller, more affordable units to ensure local independent businesses can access the neighbourhood, alongside units for food and beverage outlets.
“For too long, the Church Street car park has been an eyesore and a barrier to the ongoing success of the Northern Quarter,” commented Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council.
“We want to bring forward a world-class development that has the potential to completely transform this part of the neighbourhood, together with the newest city centre public squares and green spaces.”
The final legal negotiations will conclude over the summer, and it’s expected that a public consultation will then take place to inform a future planning application.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
News
‘Major milestone’ as planning permission secured to transform Oldham town centre
Emily Sergeant
Planning permission has been granted for six transformational sites in Oldham town centre, with developers calling it a ‘major milestone’.
This approval marks a key step forward in Muse Places and Oldham Council‘s long-term partnership with a shared ambition to deliver a ‘vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable’ town centre that not only reflects Oldham’s heritage but also meets the needs of the people who live there.
Following ‘extensive consultation’ with the local community earlier this year, where hundreds of people took park and shared valuable feedback to help shape the proposals, a total of 1,619 new homes will be delivered as part of the plans, offering a mix of high-quality, energy-efficient apartments designed for families, older people, and young professionals.
The plans also include social and affordable housing provision too in a bid to help more local people find a home that suits their needs and circumstances.
According to the Council and developers, the approved plans will bring underused sites back into ‘productive’ use and support a ‘cleaner, greener’ future for Oldham, opening the door to new opportunities for local businesses and communities alike.
“This decision marks a key milestone in delivering on our promises for Oldham,” commented Cllr Arooj Shah, who is the Leader of Oldham Council.
Planning permission has been secured to transform Oldham town centre / Credit: Muse Places
“Oldham Council and Muse have a shared, ambitious vision to create a quality place that people genuinely want to spend time in.
“I am thrilled that we can continue moving forward with our plans, delivering high-quality homes, including the provision of social and affordable homes to meet local needs. We will also support local businesses and create opportunities for everyone, as part of a clean, green and sustainable future.
“Together, we are creating a place that we can all be proud of.”
Site investigation works are now complete at the Civic Centre, and works at Prince’s Gate will begin shortly, followed by the former Magistrates’ Court later this year.
With planning consent secured and preparatory works underway, construction at Prince’s Gate is expected to begin this autumn.
Danny Jones -
6th September 2023 
