O'Grady to host prime-time talent show

Paul O'Grady has been given his own ITV prime-time series, following the success of his teatime chat show.

"It's like Opportunity Knocks for 2005," O'Grady told The Mirror. "Simon Cowell is going to be on the panel of judges and my job as host is to defend them from his ferocity.

"We film it in September and we're after old ladies playing harmonicas, all sorts."

The winner of the series will perform at the Royal Variety Show.