Paul O'Grady's Gately Grief Urged Him To ITV

Friday 16th October 2009 - 13:00:28

Paul O'Grady said Stephen Gately's death urged him return to ITV.

The chat show host said an emotional phone call between himself and Stephen's former manager, Louis Walsh, was behind his decision to move back to the broadcaster he left in 2006 and vowed never to work with again.

He said: "Stephen dying like that has haunted me. It's forced me to check myself. I thought, 'Do you really want to carry on with this workload, doing crazy hours and not eating?'

"I've been pushing my luck for too long. It's time I had more respect for my health. I came off the phone from Louis, who is in absolute pieces, and made a decision: now is the time to move on.

You'd think I'd caused World War Three or been accused of locking my daughter in a cellar for 20 years.

"Have a different kind of life. Give myself some time to enjoy what I've got - a chance Stephen never had."

Paul, 54, has reportedly signed a two year contract with ITV this week, and will work less hours, taking a prime time slot on Friday nights, to go head to head with the BBCs 'Friday Night With Jonathan Ross' show.

Paul added reports he is getting paid £8 million for the show are a gross overestimate.

He said: "You'd think I'd caused World War Three or been accused of locking my daughter in a cellar for 20 years.

"I want to get it straight that I'm not being paid the silly money I've seen mentioned. Those days of big bucks are gone. But programmes cost a lot to make.

"So can I make it clear an £8 million deal doesn't mean that's my money - it's the total cost of making a show over two years."

Paul can be seen hosting his present eponymous tea time show on Channel 4 until Christmas, when he will move to ITV.