Saturday, 12 September 2009

Paul O’Grady: I might quit Channel 4 over budget cuts

Presenter doesn’t want to let down crew

Paul O'Grady is making a stand

Paul O'Grady is considering leaving Channel 4 after bosses told him they plan to halve his chat show’s £2million budget.

The presenter, 54, is not willing to compromise the programme’s quality or fire staff.

‘I was absolutely gobsmacked when they said 50%,’ says Paul. ‘I would understand if my ratings were down but it consistently wins its slot and brings in good advertising revenue...

‘We can’t do five days a week for half the price…I’d be mortified to do a show that’s third rate.’

Paul’s current contract expires at the end of the year and it is thought Sky and ITV are interested in signing him up.

‘I’m in the doldrums,' he tells the Daily Mirror. ‘Perhaps Channel 4 thought I’d roll over, but that’s not going to happen. I haven’t heard from them, so I’ve no idea what’s going on.’

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