Lily 'too hot for O'Grady'

British comic Paul O’Grady told today why he has virtually abandoned his sniping alter ego Lily Savage – because he gets too hot in drag.

The star, who had a heart attack last year, has barely been seen as brassy blonde Lily for months.

However O’Grady, 49, reassured fans she has not gone for good, with plans for a Christmas return.

The funnyman will soon be seen as a Liverpool bingo hall boss in BBC1’s new series Eyes Down, which he said was a way of “getting away from Lily”.

“I’m so sick of putting all that gear on,” he said. “People have said, why aren’t you doing her any more?’ and that’s the reason, especially in this weather – it’s stifling, it’s unbearable.”

The transformation into acid-tongued Lily takes about one hour – far longer than the minimal preparation for his new role.

“That’s costume, nails and gluing wigs on. This job’s lovely. I ruffle my hair up and that’s it, I’m finished.

“Also, I’m not arriving with bags and bin liners with wigs and all sorts in - it’s like a travelling circus.”

He added: “I’m doing her again at Christmas.

“I quite like doing her every now and then because you have a laugh when you’re up on stage with an audience, it’s great.”