O'Grady marks end of chat series

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TV presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady paid an emotional farewell to "the best job in my life" on Friday when his Channel 4 chat show came to an end.

After five years hosting the show, he said: "I've been through so much but I have to thank you, my audience, you've got me through."

He added: "I've been through a lot - my partner dying, my dog dying, two heart attacks, becoming a granddad."

The final show included tributes from Whoopi Goldberg and Enrique Iglesias.

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"You've been great with all your letters and e-mails. My crew, everyone in the office, they are brilliant. This has been the best job in my life," O'Grady said.

The show, which has come to an end after 11 series, also featured Coronation Street stars William Roache and Beverley Callard, who play Ken Barlow and Liz McDonald in the soap.

Paying tribute to O'Grady, Roache said: "This is a great show. We all love it.

I pinch myself regularly because I can't believe I have met some of the people I have idolised Paul O'Grady

"Everyone loves it and everyone loves you. We watch you every day. In the green room, between scenes. All of us. We're going to miss you."

O'Grady has signed a peak-time entertainment deal with ITV, which will see him front a studio-based series next autumn.

He has also revealed he is writing a book.

In a statement he also released, the star said: "I pinch myself regularly because I can't believe I have met some of the people I have idolised.

"The viewers and studio audience have been amazing. From day one we've been inundated with letters and e-mails telling us what they like about the show or offering advice."