With an illustrious entertainment career spanning over four decades, O’Grady may have been most well-known and loved by British audiences as a comedian, presenter, broadcaster, actor, writer, and the former drag queen Lily Savage – but he was also one of the nation’s most-famous dog lovers and animal rights advocates.
O’Grady was a longtime supporter and Ambassador of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, and helped raise the profile of the shelter to millions around the world through the hugely-popular ITV series Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs.
Battersea says there’s “no doubting” that O’Grady’s influence has helped thousands of rescue animals find new homes over the years.
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Over several series of the show, O’Grady would make an effort to spend quality time with these animals and show-off all of their quirks and loveable qualities, which went a long way to proving that rescue animals “really are the best pets”.
Paul O’Grady has died aged 67 / Credit: ITV | Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Paying an emotional tribute to O’Grady following his passing today, Peter Laurie – Chief Executive of Battersea – said: “To many, Paul O’Grady was the immensely popular TV and radio presenter and comedian who lit up their screens with his razor-sharp humour and perpetual generosity and warmth [but] Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centres.
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“Paul will always be associated with Battersea and we are truly saddened to have lost such a true friend and huge part of our charity.
“Paul had an extremely hands on approach as a Battersea Ambassador and has been fundamental in helping our charity to communicate important campaign messages.
“He was a champion for the underdog and would do anything to ensure all animals live a healthy and happy life.
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“He will be dearly missed.”
We’re deeply saddened to learn that our wonderful, kind friend and beloved Ambassador Paul O’Grady MBE has passed away. He will be so dearly missed by all of us at Battersea. Our love and thoughts go out to all of Paul's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/hjfwBcu7sz
Since the news of O’Grady’s passing was announced, touching tributes have been pouring in in their hundreds from right across the world of entertainment and on social media.
Countless famous names have shared supportive messages and memories.
Emotional tributes to O’Grady have been flooding in all morning, both from those who knew and had worked with him in the past, and from those who admired his work and all that he achieved and had stood for throughout his respected career.
Featured Image – Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
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Katy Perry announces massive gig in Manchester next year
Thomas Melia
Pop chart-topper and overall legend Katy Perry is stopping off in Manchester as part of her new EU and UK tour dates.
The Roar singer will be heading to the AO Arena next October, alongside shows in Sheffield, Glasgow, Birmingham and London, with tickets on sale later this week.
Whether you’re going to watch hits like ‘California Gurls’, ‘Hot ‘N’ Cold’ or excited for the newer tracks like ‘I’m His, He’s Mine’, one thing is for certain you’ll have to ‘Swish Swish’ past a lot of people for these in-demand tickets.
In a new video uploaded to her social media channels, holding a Union Jack flag with a mini microphone attached to it, Katy Perry has revealed she can’t wait to ‘share a cuppa’ with us. We’ve already got the kettle brewing.
There’s a real connection between the former American Idol judge and our beautiful country, with her performing at Buckingham Palace for the Coronation Concert in 2023 and more recently bringing an exclusive ‘A Night Of A Lifetime’ show to ITV this winter.
Perry has the second most Diamond-certified singles in for a female artist in the U.S, four guiness world records and five UK number one hits.
Her latest album ‘143’, which is a numeric synonym of ‘I love you’ and the singer’s angel number, came out mid-September featuring three standout singles, ‘Woman’s World’, ‘Lifetimes and the aforementioned ‘I’m His, He’s Mine’, a collaboration with upcoming rapper Doechii.
The American performer hasn’t had it easy with the rollout of her seventh studio album coming under fire for working with controversial record producer Dr. Luke.
In 2014, the American producer was part of a nine year long court case with musician Kesha which has now reached an agreement, however Luke is still heavily involved with the music industry working on songs with artists like Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat and Kim Petras.
This tour is a poignant one as the global superstar is set to donate £1 from every ticket to Music Venue Trust which will be distributed to UK grassroots music venues.
After a sensational and career-defining Vegas residency titled ‘PLAY’ which featured a giant toilet as stage decorum, it’s no surprise that this run of UK shows are set to be just as captivating and outrageous.
Katy Perry is bringing ‘The Lifetimes Tour’ to Manchester’s AO Arena on October with pre-sale tickets going live on 20 November and general onsale on 22 November HERE.
Oldham mansion that starred in an iconic pop music video is up for sale
Thomas Melia
A Greater Manchester mansion that’s featured in one of the most famous music videos of the past decade is now up for sale.
Situated in the picturesque village of Uppermill, Oldham, Ashcroft House is currently listed at £2,350,000 accepting offers in the region of this figure.
The property has six bedrooms, six baths and five reception rooms – this mansion is a party host’s dream.
Ashcroft House has four storeys with the lower ground floor currently set up as a gym space and the ground floor boasting an eye-catching grand entrance hall.
This isn’t everything the lower ground floor has to offer. There are a number of breakout rooms such as a wine store, cinema room and your own personal steam room.
When going up another flight of stairs, the first floor’s main selling point besides the very large balcony is the matched walk in wardrobes paired with each of the six sleeping quarters, yes please!
The girls styling themselves in one of the many walk in wardrobes at Ashcroft House.The bold statement front door in the Oldham mansion.Credit: Youtube (@littlemix)
Finally, if that wasn’t enough to draw you in, there is another flight of stairs leading to the second floor which is currently acting as the house’s ever-impressive storage area.
With the rolling hills of Saddleworth nearby and a local pub a ten minute walk away, how could life possibly get any better?
Oh wait it does! In 2016 one of the UK’s best selling girl groups of all time shot a music video for their worldwide hit right here in these very four walls.
X Factor prodigies and three time BRIT award winning girl group Little Mix perched up with their film crew to spend 21 hours recording the video for their groundbreaking single ‘Hair’.
The video itself has amassed nearly 500 million views on social media platform Youtube since being released eight years ago.
The grand staircase that greets you as you enter this Greater Manchester property.The Little Mix girls having a bite to eat in Ashcroft House.Credit: Youtube (@littlemix)
The previous owner of the house even revealed that once the music video shoot wrapped up, the girls stayed with the family to share a slice of pizza or two.
If you’re interested in owning a piece of pop culture history or just as nosey as we are you can take a virtual tour of this mansion in Oldham here.
Emily Sergeant -
29th March 2023 
