Lily Savage returns to the stage in Southampton

Mr O'Grady decided to drop the character in 2004

Former chat show host Paul O'Grady is to return to the stage as his "bawdy female alter ego" Lily Savage.

Mr O'Grady decided to drop the character in 2004 declaring it was "undignified to go round in mini skirts all your life".

But the 53-year-old entertainer will make a special appearance as Ms Savage in Aladdin at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre from 10 December to 8 January.

He collected an MBE from the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace in 2008.

Mr O'Grady, who worked as a social worker before finding fame, said: "I am delighted to be returning to the Mayflower this Christmas, the greatest theatre on the South Coast."