Tributes flood in as comedian and presenter Paul O’Grady dies aged 67

Tributes flood social media for much loved comedian and television presenter Paul O’Grady, who has died aged 67.

His husband, Andre Portasio, announced the star had died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ after he passed away on Tuesday evening, March 29th.

Born in Birkenhead, Merseyside, O’Grady hosted a number of game shows including Blankety Blank in the late 90s under the guise of his famous persona, Lily Savage. He also presented Blind Date and For The Love of Dogs.

Mr Portasio, who married O’Grady in 2017, said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening. We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.

“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion. I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”

The world of showbiz is in mourning after the death of Paul O’Grady as tributes have been pouring in to praise hiss legacy.

This Morning’s Vanessa Feltz, said: “Utterly distraught to imagine a world without beloved Paul O’Grady. I inherited the Big Breakfast bed from him in 1996 and have loved him ever since. Wise witty kind and entirely original. We will never see his like again.”

Former EastEnders star, Martin Kemp, said: “Goodbye my friend… the nicest man in Showbiz… It was such a pleasure spending time with you!!”

Lorraine Kelly wrote: “Such sad news. Paul O’Grady – funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise … I always think dogs are the best judge of character and they ADORED him.”

Battersea Dogs Home said: “We’re deeply saddened to learn that our wonderful, kind friend and beloved Ambassador Paul O’Grady MBE has passed away. He will be so dearly missed by all of us at Battersea. Our love and thoughts go out to all of Paul’s family and friends at this difficult time.

RSPCA wrote: We’re heartbroken to hear the news that the wonderful Paul O’Grady has passed away. He was a shining light for animals with an inspirational passion and drive to help them. Our thoughts are with Paul’s loved ones, his many animals and our friends at @Battersea_.”

A close friend of Paul O’Grady who saw the TV star on the afternoon of his death has paid tribute to his ‘dear friend’ after visiting him just hours before his death.

Radio producer Malcolm Prince said he popped round to Paul’s for a ‘good old catch-up’ on Tuesday afternoon (March 28th) and the former drag queen was ‘laughing, smiling and full of life.’

In a post on Twitter, Malcolm shared ‘a few words’ about his last moments with the TV veteran, saying: “I’m devastated. Yesterday afternoon, I popped round to Paul’s for a good old catch-up. Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing, smiling and full of life.

“He was so proud of ‘Annie’, so happy to be back on Boom Radio and he was looking forward to so many new projects. And now he’s gone. I can’t believe it. We have lost a unique talent – and I’ve lost a dear friend. We were all lucky to have Paul in our lives.

“My heart goes out to Andre, Paul’s family, and friends. Oh how I’ll miss him”.

Mr Prince also shared the final photo he and Paul had together, adding: “Farewell Paul, I’ll miss you my friend xxx.”