It's become normal for me to walk on set as Popeye, Frankenstein or an Elf or even a chicken.
Paul O'GradyI was a really picky eater as a child. Because I was obsessed by Popeye, my mum and aunts would put my food in a can to represent spinach and we'd hum the Popeye tune and then I'd happily eat it.
Paul O'GradyI dont live with people, thats why my relationships last. Im not romantic. Even when I was a teenager if somebody asked if they could hold my hand Id say, - no, its not heavy, I can hold it myself, thank you.
Paul O'GradyI've frequently been asked over the years who Lily Savage was based on and I've always answered that it was no one in particular and she was just a figment of my imagination. The truth, I realise now, is that Lily owes a lot to the women I encountered in my childhood. Characteristics and attitudes were observed and absorbed, Aunty Chris's in particular, and they provided the roots and compost for the Lily that would germinate and grow later on.
Paul O'GradyI don't want to sound like Catherine Cookson but I've worked since I was eight, with a paper round and in a fruit and veg shop. Taking a pay cut won't demotivate me, not at all. It's not about money in the first place. It's about the job.
Paul O'GradyEvery week I have a disaster in my kitchen. The fire alarm goes off repeatedly. But it doesn't stop me being adventurous.
Paul O'GradyI go in the butchers and there's not a lot of meat I can eat these days, with having all the animals.
Paul O'GradyNoel Coward said work is more fun than fun, but then he didn't work in the Bird's Eye factory packing frozen fish fingers nine hours a day, did he?
Paul O'GradyMy primary school teacher once poured a bottle of curdled school milk forcefully down my throat. Then I threw it up all over her suede shoes. I'd rather have drunk from the spittoon in Barney's barber shop.
Paul O'GradyChannel 4 are a great bunch of people to work with and the crew are lovely. Working at ITV was like being in the court of Caligula.
Paul O'GradyI am quite happy to take a cut. You've got to, if you want to work and continue working.
Paul O'Grady