O'Grady poached by Channel 4

Britain's Channel 4 has poached presenter Paul O’Grady from ITV, it was announced today.

The defection will come as a shock to bosses at ITV where The Paul O’Grady Show has been a huge hit.

The award-winning teatime show has won numerous awards since its debut in 2004 and trounced Channel 4 rivals Richard and Judy in the ratings.

O’Grady, who ditched his alter ego Lily Savage to concentrate on his presenting career, won a Bafta for the show.

It was also named most popular daytime programme at the National Television Awards.

Channel 4 has been missing a big name entertainment star since Graham Norton left for the BBC.