Paul O’Grady fronts prime time ITV series exploring life at Great Ormond Street Hospital

31 Jul 2018, 2:57 p.m.

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is delighted that a brand-new prime time ITV series based at the hospital, will air this summer.The six-part series will be fronted by Paul O’Grady and will follow the lives of some of the 618 amazing children and their families who come through the doors of GOSH every day.

As the NHS marks its 70th anniversary Paul O’Grady’s Little Heroes according to ITV will provide a unique insight in to one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals, and the lives of the brave and resilient children who are treated there every day. Viewers will also have the opportunity to get to know the dedicated staff who care for and treat children who have some of the most serious and complex conditions.

Paul O’Grady brings his unique blend of warmth and humour to the hospital as he meets a number of children from all corners of the UK, with each 30 minute episode focusing on 2-3 children and their journey through their specialist and pioneering treatment.

In the first episode Paul gets a glimpse of a pioneering surgery after he meets 13-year-old Mackenzie who is at the hospital to have his ear reconstructed after being born with Microtia. The condition means those affected are born with a small ear that doesn’t develop properly. Neil Bulstrode, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon performs this life changing surgery, with Paul witnessing the remarkable moment when Neil makes a new ear from the cartilage in Mackenzie’s ribcage which provides the framework for his new ear.

Neil Bulstrode said: “It was wonderful to have Paul in surgery to witness just some of the expert care undertaken every day at GOSH. Paul O’Grady’s Little Heroes will be a unique opportunity for people to get a glimpse of the ground breaking treatments GOSH provides to children from across the UK, with some of the most complex and rare conditions.”

Paul O’Grady said: “It has been an absolute honour to film at GOSH, meeting the children, and their families as they go through some of their toughest days. They were truly inspiring.

I have so much admiration for the truly dedicated staff who treat and care for them. I can’t wait for you all to meet all the cheeky characters, happy faces and brave families that I had the privilege of meeting.”

Contact Information

For media enquiries for Great Ormond Street Hospital please contact: 

Ruth.Maurice@gosh.org t: 020 7239 3125 

Notes to Editors

Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals with the broadest range of dedicated, children’s healthcare specialists under one roof in the UK. The hospital’s pioneering research and treatment gives hope to children from across the UK with the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions. Our patients and families are central to everything we do – from the moment they come through the door and for as long as they need us. 

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity needs to raise money to support the hospital to give children who need help the most the best chance for life. The charity funds research into pioneering new treatments for children, provides the latest medical equipment and supports the essential redevelopment of the hospital. You can help us to provide world class care for our patients and families. For more information visit www.gosh.org