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Ed Balls was left red-faced after Good Morning Britain accidentally aired a clip of Des O’Connor instead of Paul O’Grady during a round-up of the National Television Awards.
The former MP, 56, and his co-host Charlotte Hawkins, 48, who filled in for Susanna Reid as she lost her voice, had been reflecting on the winners of the National Television Awards on Wednesday’s episode of the ITV programme.
Among those who were awarded a gong was the late Lily Savage star, who won the Factual Entertainment Category for his TV show For The Love Of Dogs posthumously.
Referencing O’Grady’s win on GMB, Charlotte said: ‘Let’s give special mention to Paul O’Grady who won as well for his show and obviously he’s so very much missed, isn’t he?’
However, while the former Strictly star paid tribute to O’Grady a clip of the late O’Connor, who died aged 88 in 2020, aired.
Realising the mistake, Ed interjected: ‘I don’t think that was Paul O’Grady we just showed on camera there.’
Imagery then aired of O’Grady as Lily Savage, with Ed commenting: ‘There he is. Phew.’
On Tuesday night, the NTAs paid tribute to O’Grady and other TV legends who are no longer with us, including Sir Michael Parkinson.
Before a montage from O’Grady’s career was played, Joel said: ‘Nominated an astonishing 28 times for an NTA, his first nearly 30 years ago, his career came in many guises and no matter what he did, there was always kindness coupled with a unique sense of fun that won over audiences in an instant’.
Representatives from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home accepted the award on O’Grady’s behalf.
One 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.’
O’Grady’s widower Andre Portasio, who married the late star in 2017, confirmed the heartbreaking news of his husband’s death at the age of 67 earlier this year.
His cause of death was later revealed as sudden cardiac arrhythmia syndrome (SADS), which was linked to the Blankey Blank host’s ischemic heart disease.
Tributes poured in from the entertainment world, with Carol Vorderman and Lorraine Kelly among the first to pay their respects, while the royal family also shared their condolences.
Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays from 6am.
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