Paul O'Grady has been exorcising the ghost of Cilla Black after enrolling on a new course.

Paul O'Grady

Paul O'Grady

The 62-year-old TV presenter has been trying to evict his late best friend's spiritual entity following her death in 2015 aged 72, after he was visited by her from beyond the grave.

He said: "I've been exorcising ghosts. I've actually been exorcising our Cilla."

Following the exorcism, the 'For the Love of Dogs' presenter admitted he is "glad" he took part in the spiritual practice.

He is quoted by the Daily Star newspaper as saying: "I was very conscious so I'm glad I've done it.

"I actually loved doing the exorcising ghosts thing. It was a thrill."

Paul came face-to-face with other spirits in September 2008 when he starred on 'Ghost Hunting With... Paul O'Grady and Friends' - which was hosted by Yvette Fielding - and admitted afterwards that Cilla wouldn't care if an exorcist was sick all over her.

He said: "Nothing would bother Cilla. If the exorcist vomited on Cilla she wouldn't bat an eyelid."

Paul was joined by pals Jennifer Ellison, Philip Olivier and Natasha Hamilton as they headed to Palermo, southern Italy, to film the show, and he literally had a hair-raising time.

He said: "I was paralysed with fear and I don't mind admitting it ... Look at my hair, who needs hair gel when you've just gone down the catacombs?

"I am going to be up all night now, going through all this in my head."

Paul tried to keep his cool on the show but admitted the spooky experience left him "terrified".

He said: "After Phil and I were lowered into this chamber, I thought 'I'm not going to make a show of myself. I'm going to be Mr Cool' - but I was terrified."

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