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Paul O’Grady – Not The Same Without You: The Man. The Magic. The Friendship.
"Never-before-heard stories of the much-missed national treasure." Daily Express
He was a campaigner, a political advocate, and a trailblazer. But most of all, he was a friend. And I’d like to share that person with you.
It’s more than two years since the much-loved entertainer, broadcaster and national treasure Paul O’Grady died, and yet his voice still echoes — in laughter, in memory, in the unshakeable affection of millions.
In this deeply personal and revealing biography, Paul’s longtime collaborator Malcolm Prince draws on two decades of friendship — and hours of private recordings — to tell the story of the man behind the the sharp-witted, fiercely loyal, irrepressibly funny, and deeply private individual, known to his close friends as ‘Savage’ — and to the public, in various guises, as the prime time TV star, the nation’s dog-loving agony uncle, and a Sunday afternoon radio companion. Malcolm revisits the stages Paul made his own, from the Royal Vauxhall Tavern to the London Palladium; the moments that shaped him; and draws on brand-new interviews with the people who knew him best, including his daughter and grandchildren.
This is a portrait not just of a gifted entertainer, but of a complex, fiercely loyal, and endlessly curious man, reflecting on a friendship built on shared laughter, private rants, righteous fury, long phone calls, and a healthy dose of gossip — and on a professional legacy that still feels astonishing in its range and resonance.
Packed with warmth, humour and never-before-heard stories, NOT THE SAME WITHOUT YOU captures the full measure of a man who defied convention, challenged institutions, made mischief — and made us all feel like we were his best pal.
It’s more than two years since the much-loved entertainer, broadcaster and national treasure Paul O’Grady died, and yet his voice still echoes — in laughter, in memory, in the unshakeable affection of millions.
In this deeply personal and revealing biography, Paul’s longtime collaborator Malcolm Prince draws on two decades of friendship — and hours of private recordings — to tell the story of the man behind the the sharp-witted, fiercely loyal, irrepressibly funny, and deeply private individual, known to his close friends as ‘Savage’ — and to the public, in various guises, as the prime time TV star, the nation’s dog-loving agony uncle, and a Sunday afternoon radio companion. Malcolm revisits the stages Paul made his own, from the Royal Vauxhall Tavern to the London Palladium; the moments that shaped him; and draws on brand-new interviews with the people who knew him best, including his daughter and grandchildren.
This is a portrait not just of a gifted entertainer, but of a complex, fiercely loyal, and endlessly curious man, reflecting on a friendship built on shared laughter, private rants, righteous fury, long phone calls, and a healthy dose of gossip — and on a professional legacy that still feels astonishing in its range and resonance.
Packed with warmth, humour and never-before-heard stories, NOT THE SAME WITHOUT YOU captures the full measure of a man who defied convention, challenged institutions, made mischief — and made us all feel like we were his best pal.
- GenresBiography
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
37 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 14, 2025
bittersweet book enjoyed charting his media career
October 22, 2025
Absolutely perfect. Paul was an icon I looked up to throughout most of my life, and he’s a well-missed face and voice in entertainment.
What Malcom has crafted here, brilliantly serves as the unwritten 5th book of Paul’s well-loved memoir series and kept me engaged from start to finish.
I absolutely loved how Malcolm balanced other people’s memories and recollections of their time with Paul, alongside his own interesting adventures with Paul - and there’s plenty of them! This balance made it made it so diverse, multidimensional, and gives the reader brilliant depth into Paul’s story.
Malcolm & Paul knew each other for over 20 years and worked together during a large chunk of that time as both colleagues and friends. It makes him the perfect teller of Paul’s story and the man who was so well-loved.
It’s PACKED with humour - recollections of Paul’s infamous wit and one-liners had me laughing often. Theres memories from his daughter Sharon, fellow entertainers like Julian Clary and industry professionals who knew him well.
I also really respected detailing some of the times that Paul could be sometimes angry, sometimes bored, sometimes unpredictable - because those very things made him human. All too often with a memoir, it’s like the sun shines out of someone’s backside - but Paul’s flaws with a thing that made him human and so relatable.
This book is real, authentic and a brilliant tribute to Paul. Malcolm - thank you for writing this and sharing Paul’s story with us.
What Malcom has crafted here, brilliantly serves as the unwritten 5th book of Paul’s well-loved memoir series and kept me engaged from start to finish.
I absolutely loved how Malcolm balanced other people’s memories and recollections of their time with Paul, alongside his own interesting adventures with Paul - and there’s plenty of them! This balance made it made it so diverse, multidimensional, and gives the reader brilliant depth into Paul’s story.
Malcolm & Paul knew each other for over 20 years and worked together during a large chunk of that time as both colleagues and friends. It makes him the perfect teller of Paul’s story and the man who was so well-loved.
It’s PACKED with humour - recollections of Paul’s infamous wit and one-liners had me laughing often. Theres memories from his daughter Sharon, fellow entertainers like Julian Clary and industry professionals who knew him well.
I also really respected detailing some of the times that Paul could be sometimes angry, sometimes bored, sometimes unpredictable - because those very things made him human. All too often with a memoir, it’s like the sun shines out of someone’s backside - but Paul’s flaws with a thing that made him human and so relatable.
This book is real, authentic and a brilliant tribute to Paul. Malcolm - thank you for writing this and sharing Paul’s story with us.
November 9, 2025
Malcolm gives a good overall account of his friendship with Paul, featuring many insights provided by relatives and other showbiz friends of Paul. I learnt some new things and am even more disappointed in Radio 2s attitude and what happened. I really do miss his #TeamPOG show and the many documentaries he had on ITV.
Inevitably, there are some quite hilarious anecdotes, some touching stories and some sad and frustrating things mentioned. Its an easy read - I'd read it all in just over 3 days after I got it in the post. I'd forgotten I pre-ordered it earlier this year, so that was a nice surprise.
There's little about this book I can criticize, I imagine it must have been a tough book to write for Malcolm. The only thing I found slightly 'bothersome' I suppose? was the way chapters seem to go from one chronology to another. One chapter may continue the story about his radio program and the next would go back to a different year/decade, talking about him on TV or doing variety etc. which could get a little confusing but really, for big fans of Paul, this is a great read, one I'd certainly recommend overall. Thanks for writing this, Malcolm and I'm glad you took so many notes of the last conversation you had with him, insightful stuff indeed.
Inevitably, there are some quite hilarious anecdotes, some touching stories and some sad and frustrating things mentioned. Its an easy read - I'd read it all in just over 3 days after I got it in the post. I'd forgotten I pre-ordered it earlier this year, so that was a nice surprise.
There's little about this book I can criticize, I imagine it must have been a tough book to write for Malcolm. The only thing I found slightly 'bothersome' I suppose? was the way chapters seem to go from one chronology to another. One chapter may continue the story about his radio program and the next would go back to a different year/decade, talking about him on TV or doing variety etc. which could get a little confusing but really, for big fans of Paul, this is a great read, one I'd certainly recommend overall. Thanks for writing this, Malcolm and I'm glad you took so many notes of the last conversation you had with him, insightful stuff indeed.
December 29, 2025
An interesting take on working with Paul O’Grady by his long term Radio 2 show producer Malcolm Prince.
I had completely forgotten how the BBC - particularly Radio 2 - in the early 2020’s started dumping established presenters in favour of young talent no one wants to try and attract a younger audience. What is wrong with catering to older people too? Do we not pay a television license too? The BBC are just becoming too ageist, and according to this book Paul was very much a victim of this policy and hated them for it!
I used to always listen to Paul’s radio show on a Sunday as the banter was good and the music well chosen and interesting. I remember Rob Beckett ‘filling in’ and it was terrible and irritating - the BBC forced us to Commercial Radio ….. similar story with Graham Norton’s Saturday radio slot!
The book covers stories about Paul’s life, work, family, animals and more with lots of quotes from celebrity friends. One of the funniest being the heartfelt message from Michael Bubble after his death recalling how at the recording of ‘An evening with Michael Bubble’ Paul was in the audience and flirted with him shamelessly making him blush, but that he enjoyed the banter immensely.
Malcolm clearly did not like Paul’s husband as apart from a couple of very brief asides and a bitchy comment about him selling the house they lived in he is not mentioned, and there is no photograph of either him (or Brendan Murphy, his lover and Original Manager) in the book either.
I must admit as Paul lived 50 yards from me in Vauxhall for many years as he was starting out I seemed to know more than Malcolm about his life in the late 1980-90’s and stories from that period seemed a glaring omission ….. for example every evening Paul bought frozen burgers, chips and peas from the corner shop for his dinner - no wonder he had a heart attack. One night Paul was compèring Stars of the Future at the Vauxhall Tavern as Lily, a group of punters kept barracking the acts, Paul took offence told them to stop, they didn’t so Lily jumped the four foot off the stage went over to them punched the main culprit and then threw them out of the pub to massive cheers! Where also was Paul’s compassion for the lonely at Christmas mentioned? He used to host a lunch on Christmas Day, again at the Vauxhall, for friends and those who were alone - Paul was a true gent …. a Saint, and we miss you!
I had completely forgotten how the BBC - particularly Radio 2 - in the early 2020’s started dumping established presenters in favour of young talent no one wants to try and attract a younger audience. What is wrong with catering to older people too? Do we not pay a television license too? The BBC are just becoming too ageist, and according to this book Paul was very much a victim of this policy and hated them for it!
I used to always listen to Paul’s radio show on a Sunday as the banter was good and the music well chosen and interesting. I remember Rob Beckett ‘filling in’ and it was terrible and irritating - the BBC forced us to Commercial Radio ….. similar story with Graham Norton’s Saturday radio slot!
The book covers stories about Paul’s life, work, family, animals and more with lots of quotes from celebrity friends. One of the funniest being the heartfelt message from Michael Bubble after his death recalling how at the recording of ‘An evening with Michael Bubble’ Paul was in the audience and flirted with him shamelessly making him blush, but that he enjoyed the banter immensely.
Malcolm clearly did not like Paul’s husband as apart from a couple of very brief asides and a bitchy comment about him selling the house they lived in he is not mentioned, and there is no photograph of either him (or Brendan Murphy, his lover and Original Manager) in the book either.
I must admit as Paul lived 50 yards from me in Vauxhall for many years as he was starting out I seemed to know more than Malcolm about his life in the late 1980-90’s and stories from that period seemed a glaring omission ….. for example every evening Paul bought frozen burgers, chips and peas from the corner shop for his dinner - no wonder he had a heart attack. One night Paul was compèring Stars of the Future at the Vauxhall Tavern as Lily, a group of punters kept barracking the acts, Paul took offence told them to stop, they didn’t so Lily jumped the four foot off the stage went over to them punched the main culprit and then threw them out of the pub to massive cheers! Where also was Paul’s compassion for the lonely at Christmas mentioned? He used to host a lunch on Christmas Day, again at the Vauxhall, for friends and those who were alone - Paul was a true gent …. a Saint, and we miss you!
January 3, 2026
Paul O'Grady's Sunday evening radio show was probably one of my favourite things in the entire world. That seems a rather excessive claim for a radio show, but TeamPOG was truly something special. Cosy, but never twee, nostalgic while also being fully aware that plenty of things are better now, it anchored the week, chased away the Sunday greys and never failed to make me laugh. I was devastated when the BBC dismantled it, supposedly chasing a younger audience. As someone from the age bracket they were supposedly making these changes to attract, I was deeply annoyed that such cultural vandalism had been enacted on my behalf. I was ecstatic when his new show on Boom was announced, but sadly bar one excellent Xmas special, it wasn't to be.
Part of what made Paul's show so special were the talents and unique musical sensibilities of Producer Malcolm, so I was delighted when he announced this book. Rarely has my hand moved quicker to click the Pre-order button. However, once I began the book, I felt some trepidation. What exactly would this book be? Having read all four volumes of Paul's memoirs*, would this be a rehash of what I already know with some added celebrity perspectives? Thankfully, no. It's set out fairly early on that this will look Paul's later years and soon the book becomes a window into the fascinating life of someone who's wit and perspective I still very much miss. I did feel like I needed an oxygen mask during the recounting of the appalling behaviour of Radio 2 management, I was gasping that much. Despite that, I didn't want the book to end. Essential reading for any fans of Paul O'Grady and the perfect start to a new year of books.
*All excellent reads and function as social histories as much as they do a life story.
Part of what made Paul's show so special were the talents and unique musical sensibilities of Producer Malcolm, so I was delighted when he announced this book. Rarely has my hand moved quicker to click the Pre-order button. However, once I began the book, I felt some trepidation. What exactly would this book be? Having read all four volumes of Paul's memoirs*, would this be a rehash of what I already know with some added celebrity perspectives? Thankfully, no. It's set out fairly early on that this will look Paul's later years and soon the book becomes a window into the fascinating life of someone who's wit and perspective I still very much miss. I did feel like I needed an oxygen mask during the recounting of the appalling behaviour of Radio 2 management, I was gasping that much. Despite that, I didn't want the book to end. Essential reading for any fans of Paul O'Grady and the perfect start to a new year of books.
*All excellent reads and function as social histories as much as they do a life story.
December 8, 2025
A lot of biographies - even authorised ones - are written by people who didn’t know the person at all or only met them to discuss the book.
This is therefore different from the outset - it’s written by someone who knew Paul very well - in fact - one of his closest friends - and you can tell when reading it the affection Malcolm has for Paul - and vice versa
Yes it’s very sad especially near the end when Malcolm describes his last meeting with him on the day Paul died - have to brace yourself for emotions and I was a blubbering wreck - but it’s also very funny in parts as well - you can tell it’s written from the heart
Paul’s comments / sayings etc are in inverted commas - and I was reading them hearing Paul speak.
I’ve read a lot of books this year - over 70 - and this is the best by far - as it lived up to expectation/ exceeded them - and at not one point did I think why’s he saying that / what’s the relevance .
You can tell he is still missed by Malcolm and his friends - and I think Paul would be proud of it.
Thank you Malcolm for telling your story about Paul.
This is therefore different from the outset - it’s written by someone who knew Paul very well - in fact - one of his closest friends - and you can tell when reading it the affection Malcolm has for Paul - and vice versa
Yes it’s very sad especially near the end when Malcolm describes his last meeting with him on the day Paul died - have to brace yourself for emotions and I was a blubbering wreck - but it’s also very funny in parts as well - you can tell it’s written from the heart
Paul’s comments / sayings etc are in inverted commas - and I was reading them hearing Paul speak.
I’ve read a lot of books this year - over 70 - and this is the best by far - as it lived up to expectation/ exceeded them - and at not one point did I think why’s he saying that / what’s the relevance .
You can tell he is still missed by Malcolm and his friends - and I think Paul would be proud of it.
Thank you Malcolm for telling your story about Paul.
December 9, 2025
Such a lovely book on Paul’s later years, written by his radio show producer Malcolm. I had the pleasure of hearing Malcolm talk about the book and Paul O’Grady in person, and Malcolm’s deep connection with both is evident. The book made me realise how much of an impact Paul had on my childhood in the early 2000s, as a visible gay man on the telly.
January 30, 2026
I was a big fan of the late Paul O'Grady, both as an entertainer and a human being. This book, written by his long-time friend and collaborator Malcolm Prince, essentially completes the story of Paul's life, covering the mainstream success that he never wrote about in his own books. (Truth be told, I had always hoped to read about all of his TV shows that I watched with joy growing up, and was always disappointed when his own tomes never covered them.) Although Paul was arguably a better storyteller, Malcolm can write too and has an enjoyable, easy style.
I found 'Not the Same Without You' to be a delight from start to finish. As the title and its subtitle, 'The Man, The Magic, The Friendship' suggest, it's a real labour of love. There are no antidotes within its pages that I believe would have offended Paul, nor is it a 'hatchet-job' filled with envy for its subject or an attempt 'to dish the dirt.' Instead, Malcolm shares some interesting, humorous, and sometimes moving memories.
I enjoyed reading about Paul's many friendships, what he really thought about his various projects (it really hit home to me how hard Paul worked and the variety of the work he committed to, putting his heart into them). This book allowed me to form an even more favourable portrait of Paul than I had before: fiercely loyal, a man of principle, a lover of animals and a very good friend.
I was particularly interested to read that he made several TV pilots that were never aired, and I hope we might eventually see some clips of them in a documentary about his life and work. Better still, I hope we get to see the whole thing!
I wish all friendships were as strong as that of Paul and Malcolm. They clearly adored each other. 'Not the Same Without Out,' which includes a good section of photographs, was a very cosy read that I will happily experience again.
I found 'Not the Same Without You' to be a delight from start to finish. As the title and its subtitle, 'The Man, The Magic, The Friendship' suggest, it's a real labour of love. There are no antidotes within its pages that I believe would have offended Paul, nor is it a 'hatchet-job' filled with envy for its subject or an attempt 'to dish the dirt.' Instead, Malcolm shares some interesting, humorous, and sometimes moving memories.
I enjoyed reading about Paul's many friendships, what he really thought about his various projects (it really hit home to me how hard Paul worked and the variety of the work he committed to, putting his heart into them). This book allowed me to form an even more favourable portrait of Paul than I had before: fiercely loyal, a man of principle, a lover of animals and a very good friend.
I was particularly interested to read that he made several TV pilots that were never aired, and I hope we might eventually see some clips of them in a documentary about his life and work. Better still, I hope we get to see the whole thing!
I wish all friendships were as strong as that of Paul and Malcolm. They clearly adored each other. 'Not the Same Without Out,' which includes a good section of photographs, was a very cosy read that I will happily experience again.
December 30, 2025
I have always loved Paul O'Grady, so this book was a welcome buy. I absolutely loved it, as I thought I would.
December 15, 2025
A beautiful round up of a fabulous human. Be ready to smile and cry but most importantly laugh
January 17, 2026
I didn't want this book to end. I've loved Paul O'Grady for a long time. This book gave a side to him we didn't get to see, and we love him even more for it. Taken from us far too soon, but the passion he showed in his work and political views (Oh he'd have a few now I'm sure), we could all learn a lesson from.
January 4, 2026
Paul O'Grady - Not The Same Without You
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A great book Written by Malcolm one of his closest friends and work companions on his BBC Radio 2 show..... so many insights into the early life of Lilly Savage and of course many stories featuring her and Paul.
Reading this book I've definitely learnt new things about Paul I never knew which was a pleasant surprise....
Lots of laughs, love and friendships have been put into this book along with heartache and truths.
I have to say reading about the BBC was the biggest eye opener of a truly unprofessional set up! The people within the management team clearly don't know what is best for the station and it's listeners.
I've enjoyed my time in the pages of this book it felt just like he was reading the book to me... I could hear him in my head as Lilly and Paul just wonderful ❤️
Thank you Malcolm for sharing your wonderful memories and special moments with the reader.... Paul was a beautiful person and will forever be in peoples hearts!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A great book Written by Malcolm one of his closest friends and work companions on his BBC Radio 2 show..... so many insights into the early life of Lilly Savage and of course many stories featuring her and Paul.
Reading this book I've definitely learnt new things about Paul I never knew which was a pleasant surprise....
Lots of laughs, love and friendships have been put into this book along with heartache and truths.
I have to say reading about the BBC was the biggest eye opener of a truly unprofessional set up! The people within the management team clearly don't know what is best for the station and it's listeners.
I've enjoyed my time in the pages of this book it felt just like he was reading the book to me... I could hear him in my head as Lilly and Paul just wonderful ❤️
Thank you Malcolm for sharing your wonderful memories and special moments with the reader.... Paul was a beautiful person and will forever be in peoples hearts!
November 14, 2025
A fitting tribute to the amazing and much missed Paul O'Grady x ❤️
November 27, 2025
Very enjoyable tribute to Paul written and narrated by Malcolm Prince who was Paul's radio producer and close friend for over 20 years
December 3, 2025
Lovingly written by his producer and friend. A sweet biography
December 27, 2025
4.5 stars
February 12, 2026
Really enjoyed this book
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews