O'Grady to challenge Richard & Judy

Lily Savage creator Paul O'Grady is being lined up for a talk show to challenge Richard and Judy, according to press reports.

The comic has signed a £200,000 deal with ITV for a show to go out at 5pm each day, according to The Sun.

That timeslot would put him in direct competition with Channel 4's Richard and Judy show, which regularly attracts 2million viewers.

An ITV source told the paper: "Network bosses believe Paul O'Grady is one of the funniest faces on TV and have been keen to sign him up for a talk show.

"They believe he can end Richard and Judy's dominance by presenting his own mix of chat, celebs and topical debate."

O’Grady, 49, has previously appeared as a stand-in host on Richard and Judy.

Published: 9 Sep 2004