Advertisement

Paul O’Grady death – latest news: Joe Lycett and Elton John pay tribute as Dominic Raab makes PMQs blunder

Dominic Raab is being mocked after incorrectly paying tribute to the “incredible comic Paul Grayson”, instead of Paul O’Grady.

The presenter and comedian died on Tuesday evening (28 March), aged 67.

“Paul Grayson was an incredible comic, but he also...” Raab said during PMQs on Wednesday 29 March, before eventually correcting himself.

He went on to suggest the late comic’s alter-ego, Lily Savage, “broke glass ceilings and boundaries”.

Queen Camilla, Elton John, Lorraine Kelly, Piers Morgan, and others from the TV industry have paid tribute, as well as MPs at PMQs on Wednesday afternoon (29 March).

In 2013, O’Grady made a poignant comment on death and living past the age of 60.

Throughout his career the TV host, known for his drag persona Lily Savage, won numerous accolades including a TV Bafta, a British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award for The Paul O’Grady Show.

He was also known for his love for animals. He lived in a farmhouse in Kent with Portasio along with a menagerie of animals including four dogs, goats, sheep, chickens and barn owls.

Key Points

Queen ‘deeply saddened’ by death of fellow dog-lover Paul O’Grady

14:45 , Roisin O'Connor

Camilla has shared her sadness at the news that TV presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady has died aged 67.

The Queen Consort shared a special bond with the late star, and worked closely with him in their support of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

She will be sharing her sympathies with Paul’s family privately in due course, the Palace said in a statement.

Full story:

Queen ‘deeply saddened’ by death of fellow dog-lover Paul O’Grady

Video: Paul O'Grady feeds pigs in final Instagram post

04:21 , Tom Murray

Queen ‘deeply saddened’ by death of fellow dog-lover Paul O’Grady

03:20 , Tom Murray

Camilla has shared her sadness at the news that TV presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady has died aged 67.

The Queen Consort shared a special bond with the late star, and worked closely with him in their support of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

She will be sharing her sympathies with Paul’s family privately in due course, the Palace said in a statement.

Full story:

Camilla with Paul O’Grady in 2022 (Getty Images)
Camilla with Paul O’Grady in 2022 (Getty Images)

Queen ‘deeply saddened’ by death of fellow dog-lover Paul O’Grady

Official statement from the Palace paid tribute to the late TV presenter, who worked closely with the Queen Consort in support of Battersea

‘I’ve been no use to anyone today,’ says Alan Carr

02:19 , Tom Murray

Alan Carr has responded to the news of O’Grady’s death after a day of grieving.

Carr shared a selfie of him and his fellow comedian on Instagram with the caption: “I’ve been no use to anyone today.”

He remembered: “Having dinner with Paul O’Grady was the closest any of us would get to having dinner with Dorothy Parker or Truman Capote – he would have you literally in hysterics regaling these showbiz anecdotes and quips from Marlene Dietrich to Cilla Black to The Royals to the Disappointer Sisters – it seemed like he knew everyone.”

The former Chatty Man host also recalled a joke he’d heard O’Grady tell recently: “My friend asked him... ‘do you think you’ll go to heaven Paul?’ Quick as a whip he replied ‘I hope not, I won’t know anyone.’”

Eddie Izzard honours ‘lovely’ and ‘decent guy, who cared about people'

01:20 , Tom Murray

Suzy Eddie Izzard credited O’Grady with helping her come out as transgender “in the TV world back in 1991”.

“I’m sure it helped that Paul was already out there, being very relaxed,” she said.

A major part of O’Grady’s legacy was his career as his drag persona, Lily Savage.

Read more:

Eddie Izzard honours Paul O’Grady for his ‘positive mark’ on the country’s history

ITV announces schedule change to honour Paul O’Grady

00:20 , Inga Parkel

In light of Paul O’Grady’s unexpected death, ITV has announced a change to ITV1’s schedule for Wednesday.

At 5pm, ITV1 will broadcast a repeat episode of Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs: A Royal Special instead of The Chase.

Later, at 8pm, the channel will air a tribute special called For the Love of Paul O’Grady.

Finally, the new series of Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs will air at 8.30pm as planned.

Paul O’Grady (ITV)
Paul O’Grady (ITV)

Dominic Raab misnames Paul O’Grady as ‘Paul Grayson’ in Commons speech

23:20 , Inga Parkel

Dominic Raab drew groans in the House of Commons this afternoon when he paid tribute to “Paul Grayson” instead of Paul O’Grady.

Following on from a tribute from Labour MP Chris Bryant, Raab said: “I totally agree with him, Paul Grayson was an incredible comic but he also…”

After hearing the grumbles from his fellow MPs, Raab grinned and corrected his mistake.

Paul O’Grady’s poignant words on death and counting his blessings

22:20 , Inga Parkel

In 2013, O’Grady was rushed to hospital after being struck by angina – chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. It’s not usually life-threatening, but it’s a warning sign that you could be at risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Earlier that year, he had shared his thoughts on his mortality. “I do count my blessings,” he said, according to The Mirror. “I have had two heart attacks, and if I get to 60 that will be amazing. I don’t fear anything nowadays.

“There has to be an angel out there. They are trying to steer me out of trouble 24 hours a day.”

Paul O’Grady (Multistory Media / Battersea Cats and Dogs Home)
Paul O’Grady (Multistory Media / Battersea Cats and Dogs Home)

Paul O’Grady’s poignant words on death and counting his blessings

Presenter and comedian, who has died aged 67, had said that it would be ‘amazing’ if he got to 60

Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure

21:20 , Inga Parkel

Paul O’Grady (Getty Images)
Paul O’Grady (Getty Images)

Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure

The roof-raising riot, who combined warm compassion with outrageously spiky wit, has died unexpectedly aged 67. Michael Hogan looks back on his glittering career

Best clips from ‘The Paul O’Grady Show’ stitched together

20:40 , Inga Parkel

“Just two minutes of the unbridled and wonderful chaos that was The Paul O'Grady Show,” one Twitter user captioned a post, alongside a two-minute clip of the comedian’s best moments.

‘Good Morning Britain’ air special segment for Paul O’Grady

20:20 , Inga Parkel

Pride in London honours LGBT+ ‘icon’ Paul O’Grady

19:40 , Inga Parkel

Who is Andre Portasio, Paul O’Grady’s husband?

19:20 , Inga Parkel

Born in Brazil, Andre Portasio is a former-professional ballerina who danced with The English National Ballet.

The pair reportedly began dating in 2006, a year after Paul O’Grady’s long-term partner and manager Brendan Murphy died in 2005 from an inoperable brain tumour.

After 11 years of dating, O’Grady and Portasio got married in a lowkey wedding ceremony, according to reports.

O’Grady, who was 25 years Portasio’s senior, once revealed that the key to their successful marriage was having separate bedrooms and bathrooms.

Paul O’Grady and Andre Portasio (Getty Images)
Paul O’Grady and Andre Portasio (Getty Images)

“I remember Joan Collins on my show saying the secret to a happy marriage was different bathrooms,” the comedian told The Sun in 2020. “She was right – and separate bedrooms also work a treat. I don’t like sharing a bed.”

Who was Paul O’Grady’s alter ego Lily Savage?

18:40 , Inga Parkel

Lily Savage became O’Grady’s first stage persona. Often sporting a platinum blond beehive wig, incredible amounts of makeup, white stilettos and a leopardskin matching skirt and fur coat set, Savage was born in the 1980s.

She performed in the gay pubs of south London, with her acts heavily relying on her strong lawless attitude and audience insults.

O’Grady’s alter-ego was said to have been inspired, in part, by his Auntie Chrissie.

Lily Savage / Paul O’Grady as Widow Twankey in ‘Aladdin, A Wish Come True’ in 2012 (Bettina Strenske/Lnp/Shutterstock)
Lily Savage / Paul O’Grady as Widow Twankey in ‘Aladdin, A Wish Come True’ in 2012 (Bettina Strenske/Lnp/Shutterstock)

“She had a hard life, but she used to suck her cheeks in and fancy herself as Marlene Dietrich,” the comedian once described of his bus conductor aunt.

Savage later appeared on BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 , where she soon became a phenomenon. However, she was eventually put to rest in 2005 after O’Grady claimed she had “seen the light, taken the veil and packed herself off to a convent in France”.

When and how did Paul O’Grady die?

18:20 , Inga Parkel

TV presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady died on Tuesday (28 March) at the age of 67.

The exact cause of his death hasn’t been revealed.

The news was announced by his partner Andre Portasio.

The TV star, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday (28 March) evening, a statement shared with the PA news agency said.

Portasio said: “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.”

O’Grady had a history of heart disease in his family. He had two heart attacks in 2002 and 2006.

Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure

17:40 , Roisin O'Connor

The roof-raising riot, who combined warm compassion with outrageously spiky wit, has died unexpectedly aged 67.

Michael Hogan looks back on his glittering career

Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure

Dominic Raab heckled after calling Paul O’Grady ‘Paul Grayson’ during PMQs tribute

17:21 , Roisin O'Connor

Dominic Raab heckled after calling Paul O’Grady ‘Paul Grayson’ during PMQs tribute

Tom Hardy pays tribute to ‘laughter and kindness’ of Paul O’Grady

16:57 , Roisin O'Connor

“Such a lovely lovely human. Thankyou for all you have done the laughter and the kindness and for your love of dogs,” writes British actor Tom Hardy.

“You will be missed.”

Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure

16:40 , Roisin O'Connor

Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure

Elton John and Russell T Davies remember Paul O’Grady as ‘ferocious in the fight against Aids’

16:20 , Roisin O'Connor

Sir Elton John and It’s A Sin creator Russell T Davies have paid tribute to Paul O’Grady, remembering him as “ferocious in the fight against Aids” after his death aged 67.

The TV and radio presenter died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening, a statement shared with the PA news agency via a representative said.

Queer As Folk creator Davies said on Instagram: “The saddest news. What a star. What a lovely man.

“He was ferocious in the fight against AIDS; he made everyone love drag; he once asked me if he could be in Doctor Who. “I just want to wear a white coat and carry a clipboard and walk down a corridor saying ‘I think it’s alive, Doctor.’”

“When asked in 2021 if he despised anyone, he said: ‘Every single stinking member of this lying, self-serving government.’ There will never be anyone like him.”

Paul O’Grady remembered as ‘ferocious in the fight against Aids’

'What Lily Savage’s legacy means for drag queens like me’

16:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Lily was a strong-willed activist, who stood up for our community during the most difficult times, writes Drag Race UK star Tia Kofi:

What Lily Savage’s legacy means to drag queens like me | Tia Kofi

Dog treats among tributes left outside Paul O’Grady’s Kent farm

15:40 , Roisin O'Connor

Dog treats and flowers have been laid in tribute to Paul O’Grady outside the gates to his farm in a quiet Kent village, as neighbours described him as “wonderful”.

Residents of the country road in Adlington spoke of the “real loss” they felt at the 67-year-old TV personality’s unexpected death.

More than a dozen members of the public arrived to lay bouquets of flowers, and even a large bag of Pointer bone-shaped treats, on a misty Wednesday morning before the tributes were taken inside.

Dog treats among tributes left outside Paul O’Grady’s Kent farm

15:19 , Roisin O'Connor

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has paid tribute to Paul O’Grady as a “devoted animal lover” and a “champion for the underdog” following his death.

The TV star had close ties to the organisation, which praised his “razor-sharp humour and perpetual generosity and warmth”.

O’Grady died unexpectedly on Tuesday at the age of 67, his partner Andre Portasio said.

The TV and radio presenter became an ambassador for Battersea in 2012, following the success of ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs, which was filmed at the home.

He presented the show for eleven series, during which time he laid bare his “passion for all things dog”, the charity said.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home hails Paul O’Grady as ‘champion for the underdog’

Paul O'Grady rips into austerity policies in fiery 2010 post-Budget monologue

15:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Paul O’Grady’s poignant words on death and counting his blessings

14:22 , Roisin O'Connor

In 2013, O’Grady was rushed to hospital after being struck by angina – chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. It’s not usually life threatening, but it’s a warning sign that you could be at risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Earlier that year, he had shared his thoughts on his mortality. “I do count my blessings,” he said, according to The Mirror. “I have had two heart attacks, and if I get to 60 that will be amazing. I don’t fear anything nowadays.

“There has to be an angel out there. They are trying to steer me out of trouble 24 hours a day.”

Paul O’Grady’s poignant words on death and counting his blessings

Dominic Raab misnames Paul O’Grady as ‘Paul Grayson’ in Commons speech

14:00 , Nicole Vassell

Dominic Raab drew groans in the House of Commons this afternoon when he paid tribute to “Paul Grayson” instead of Paul O’Grady.

Following on from a tribute from Labour MP Chris Bryant, Raab said: “I totally agree with him, Paul Grayson was an incredible comic but he also…”

After hearing the grumbles from his fellow MPs, Raab grinned and corrected his mistake.

Kim Cattrall shares video with Paul O’Grady

13:45 , Nicole Vassell

Another celebrity figure paying tribute to Paul O’Grady today is Kim Cattrall.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, the Liverpool-born Canadian actor posted a video of her appearing on O’Grady’s talk show, in which they happily embrace.

“Our hearts are broken,” reads Cattrall’s caption for the post.

ITV announces schedule change to honour Paul O’Grady

13:30 , Nicole Vassell

In light of Paul O’Grady’s unexpected death, ITV has announced a change to ITV1’s schedule for Wednesday.

At 5pm, ITV1 will broadcast a repeat episode of Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs: A Royal Special instead of The Chase.

Later, at 8pm, the channel will air a tribute special called For the Love of Paul O’Grady.

Finally, the new series of Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs will air at 8.30pm as planned.

Paul O’Grady (Multistory Media / Battersea Cats and Dogs Home)
Paul O’Grady (Multistory Media / Battersea Cats and Dogs Home)

Joe Lycett names Paul O’Grady as an inspiration

13:15 , Nicole Vassell

Joe Lycett has shared his upset at the death of Paul O’Grady, referring to him as an inspiration.

“I’m sad about Paul O’Grady,” his tweet on Wednesday began.

“I hoped I might meet him one day to tell him what an inspiration he was to me: how I loved gloriously loose & effortless his shows were, how he proved you could be political in a light ent space and that you could do all this & be really, really funny.”

Watch: Paul O’Grady’s drag alter ego Lily Savage interviews Hulk Hogan in resurfaced clip

13:00 , Nicole Vassell

Dogs Trust shares tribute to Paul O’Grady

12:45 , Nicole Vassell

Owen Sharp, the chief executive of Dogs Trust, has paid tribute to presenter and animal advocate Paul O’Grady after his death on Tuesday (28 March).

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul O’Grady,” reads the statement.

“Paul was a devoted dog lover, which shone through in his charity work and his television shows.

“He was a huge supporter, in particular, of dogs that were looking for their forever homes. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and dogs at this difficult time.”

Sally Lindsay remembers friend O’Grady as a ‘whirlwind’

12:30 , Nicole Vassell

Sally Lindsay has paid tribute to her friend, Paul O’Grady.

The actor became friends with O’Grady while she was working at Coronation Street and he worked on his talk show in the early Noughties.

“Everyone's devastated,” she told co-hosts Holly Willoughby and Joel Dommett on Wednesday’s edition of This Morning.

“He was a whirlwind. He was funny, he was intelligent, there was no-one like him.”

She also called O’Grady a “social warrior” and noted the cost of living crisis as something that he felt passionate about.

“He never lost his roots,” Lindsay continued. “He was a very real man, and hysterically funny. The world is a darker place today.”

Sally Lindsay (Getty Images)
Sally Lindsay (Getty Images)

12:15 , Nicole Vassell

As Lily Savage, Paul O’Grady regularly appeared on This Morning in the 1990s, hosted by Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan.

Since O’Grady’s death, fans have been remembering the star with a video that shows Savage throwing her wine glass into the water at the Albert Dock in Liverpool during a live wine tasting.

RSPCA remembers Paul O’Grady as campaigner and supporter

12:00 , Nicole Vassell

The RSPCA has paid tribute to Paul O’Grady.

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA, said: “Paul O’Grady’s love for animals and the incredible way he told their stories inspired countless families to re-home rescue pets and give them a second chance of happiness.

“His tireless campaigning saw Paul recognised with an RSPCA Animal Hero Award for his outstanding contribution to animal welfare, while he once adopted a little lamb Winston from us who had been rescued from a wheelie bin.

“The thoughts of all at the RSPCA are with his loved ones and our friends at Battersea at this difficult and sad time.”

Camilla with Paul O’Grady in 2022 (Getty Images)
Camilla with Paul O’Grady in 2022 (Getty Images)

Ultimate outsider to national treasure: A Paul O’Grady tribute

11:52 , Nicole Vassell

In his tribute for The Independent, Michael Hogan has remembered Paul O’Grady as a “truly unique talent” of British entertainment.

“Millions of us who’ve savoured his effervescent screen presence over the past 35 years have been left heartbroken by the news that he has died aged 67,” he wrote.

“O’Grady’s versatile career as a comedian, TV presenter, radio DJ and theatre performer means that there are few Britons whose lives he hasn’t touched.”

You can read more below:

Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure

Watch: Paul O'Grady rips into austerity policies in fiery 2010 post-Budget monologue

11:45 , Nicole Vassell

Drag queen Cheddar Gorgeous pays tribute

11:37 , Nicole Vassell

Cheddar Gorgeous, who was the runner-up in the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, has paid tribute to Paul O’Grady’s drag persona, Lily Savage.

In a tweet, the performer highlighted the impact that Savage had on British culture.

“Lily will forever walk the alleyways of our hearts,” Cheddar wrote.

“She was a British institution and cultural icon. As drag faces backlash, fuelled by click bait and a homophobic fringe, let us take some comfort today from these wise words: ‘If I wanted your opinion, I’d slap it outta ya.’”

Carol Vorderman names Paul O’Grady as ‘most honest and sincere person in showbiz’

11:30 , Nicole Vassell

Carol Vorderman has shared some of her memories of Paul O’Grady.

Appearing on This Morning on Wednesday (29 March), Vorderman told co-hosts Holly Willoughby and Joel Dommett about their decades-long friendship, and remembered their lunch dates that would often go on “for 12 hours”.

She also spoke out about O’Grady’s desire to stand up for those in need of support.

“He was a fighter; he never judged the weak, the vulnerable, the misunderstood. He'd fight like a lion for them.

Carol Vorderman and Paul O’Grady (Getty)
Carol Vorderman and Paul O’Grady (Getty)

“He wasn't just a showbiz person,” she added.

“We knew that with Paul, whatever he was ranting about, he'd always be speaking the truth. The most honest and sincere person I've met in showbiz.”

11:15 , Nicole Vassell

ITV has remembered Paul O’Grady as a “huge, inimitable talent” after the news of his unexpected death.

O’Grady hosted several shows on the channel throughout his career, including Blankety Blank and The Paul O’Grady Show.

ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment Kevin Lygo said: “We are fortunate to have had a long association with Paul at ITV.

“He was a huge, inimitable talent, delighting our viewers through his comedy and entertainment with a warmth, humour and joy that audiences of all generations related to and connected with.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

“He had a profound passion for animals too, which resonated with so many viewers, and For The Love Of Dogs remains one of our best-loved series, and a really special programme for so many.

“All those who worked with Paul are shocked and deeply saddened at his passing and the thoughts of everyone at ITV are with Paul’s loved ones.”

Former colleague remembers how Paul O’Grady advertised jobs in Job Centre

11:00 , Nicole Vassell

A former colleague of Paul O’Grady has shared a memory of how he ensured a wide range of people could apply to work on his TV programme.

Mark Downie, who worked with the presenter on his Channel 4 chat show The Paul O’Grady Show, wrote about O’Grady pushing for roles to be advertised in the Job Centre.

“When we worked together at Ch4, Paul O’Grady insisted that new roles on his show were advertised in the local Job Centre,” Downie wrote.

“He wanted anyone and everyone to be able to apply so they could get a break like he had.”

Watch: Susanna Reid recounts Paul O’Grady was first GMB guest when show launched in 2014

10:45 , Nicole Vassell

How Lily Savage mocked police as they raided the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in 1987

10:30 , Nicole Vassell

After news of the death of Paul O’Grady, fans have been looking back at some of the presenter’s most memorable moments.

One of those moments was in 2021 when O’Grady reflected on a time when police officers raided London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern, which remains a popular social spot for the LGBT+ community.

Nicole Vassell reports.

How Lily Savage mocked police as they raided the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in 1987

Queen Consort ‘deeply saddened’ by the death of Paul O’Grady

10:20 , Nicole Vassell

The Queen Consort has shared her condolences after the death of Paul O’Grady.

Camilla worked closely with O’Grady in support of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

“Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul O’Grady, who worked closely with Her Majesty in support of Battersea, providing lots of laughter and many waggy-tailed memories,” reads a tweet from the official Royal Family account.

Roisin O’Connor reports.

Camilla ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of Paul O’Grady’s death

Watch: Paul O’Grady – Best moments of presenter who rose to fame as Lily Savage

10:12 , Peony Hirwani

Paul O’Grady as Lily Savage in 2004

10:02 , Peony Hirwani

Paul O’Grady AKA Lily Savage dressed as the wicked queen at the photocall for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Victoria Palace Theatre on 7 July 2004 in London.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Watch: Paul O’Grady – Lily Savage rips into ‘lad’ culture in resurfaced drag performance

09:52 , Peony Hirwani

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home hails Paul O’Grady as ‘champion for the underdog’

09:42 , Peony Hirwani

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has paid tribute to Paul O’Grady as a “devoted animal lover” and a “champion for the underdog” following his death.

In a statement shared with the PA news agency, Battersea chief executive Peter Laurie said the home was “joining the nation” in mourning the loss of O’Grady, who helped raise its profile to millions around the world.

“Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centres,” he said.

“Paul will always be associated with Battersea and we are truly saddened to have lost such a true friend and huge part of our charity.”

Read more:

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home hails Paul O’Grady as ‘champion for the underdog’

Woman thanks Paul O’Grady for ‘being kind to my little Battersea rescue dog’

09:32 , Peony Hirwani

A woman named Joanna Randall has thanked the late Paul O’Grady for showing love to her “Battersea rescue dog”.

“Thank you for being kind to my little Battersea rescue dog, Paul O’Grady,” she wrote on Twitter. “Thank you for being soft and patient with him. Thank you for all the dogs you helped save, and for all the families you brought together. You will be so very missed. Rest in peace, lovely one.”

Grady was known for his love for animals. In fact, he also made a documentary called Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs in 2012.

It is a multi-award-winning British reality documentary television series set at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Singer Rowetta sends her condolences to Paul O’Grady’s family

09:22 , Peony Hirwani

Rowetta has sent her condolences to Paul O’Grady’s family.

“Sad news to wake up to,” shr wrote on Twitter. “Paul was such a beautiful, warm, kind and funny man. Loved him as Lily Savage and I loved being on The Paul O’Grady Show.

“Always so supportive. Condolences to his partner and loved ones.”

Journalist Julie Bindel writes about Paul O’Grady’s Lily Savage

09:12 , Peony Hirwani

“One of the things I loved about Paul O’Grady’s Lily Savage was how she was based on a woman he loved, not one he constructed from sexism or misogyny,” Julie Bindel wrote on Twitter. “Lily was a kick-ass working class woman I recognised, and Paul, excesses aside, got her to a tee.”

O’Grady achieved notability in the London gay scene during the 1980s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage, through which he gained broader popularity in the 1990s.

Producers, journalists, and hosts from the TV industry pay tribute to Paul O’Grady

09:02 , Peony Hirwani

Many people from the entertainment industry have paid tribute to “loving” Paul O’Grady.

GMB producer James Giggs pays tribute to his ‘biggest inspiration’ Paul O’Grady

08:52 , Peony Hirwani

“It’s been one of the hardest stories to produce,” James Giggs wrote on Twitter.

“I’m beyond gutted that Paul O’Grady has passed away. He was my biggest inspiration both as himself & Lily Savage.

“Seeing him in the Palladium panto as the evil queen is something I’ll never forget. He will never be forgotten.”

Actor Samuel West pays tribute to Paul O’Grady

08:42 , Peony Hirwani

“Rotten news to wake up to,” Samuel West wrote on Twitter.

“Paul O’Grady was a primetime drag queen, a famously kind person, a fierce critic of austerity, a brave fighter for gay rights, a great friend to animals and an effortlessly funny comedian. RIP.”

Producer and Podcaster Tom Knight on Paul O’Grady’s death

08:32 , Peony Hirwani

“Before Drag Race and social media it was rare for queens to break through into mainstream media, Paul was one of the few leading the way and smashing down barriers,” Tom Knight wrote on Twitter.

“Everyone loved him, but he preferred animals. RIP Paul O’Grady AKA the legendary Lily Savage, you will be missed.”

Paul O’Grady’s poignant words on death and counting his blessings

08:22 , Peony Hirwani

In 2013, Paul O’Grady shared his thoughts on his mortality.

“I do count my blessings,” he said, according to The Mirror. “I have had two heart attacks, and if I get to 60 that will be amazing. I don’t fear anything nowadays.

“There has to be an angel out there. They are trying to steer me out of trouble 24 hours a day.”

Ellie Harrison reports.

Paul O’Grady’s poignant words on death and counting his blessings

Comedian James Barr pays tribute to Paul O’Grady

08:12 , Peony Hirwani

Comedian James Barr has paid tribute to late Paul O’Grady.

“Paul O’Grady was in the trenches fighting for our community during the HIV & AIDS epidemic, she took drag mainstream, she made our mums howl with laughter and normalised gay people on TV by being utterly vile,” he wrote on Twitter.

“I can’t imagine a world without her. A truly brave and hilarious man.”

When and how did Paul O’Grady die?

07:42 , Peony Hirwani

TV presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady died on Tuesday (28 March) at the age of 67.

The exact cause of his death hasn’t been revealed.

The news was announced by his partner Andre Portasio.

The TV star, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday (28 March) evening, a statement shared with the PA news agency said.

Portasio said: “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.”

O’Grady had a history of heart disease in his family. He had two heart attacks in 2002 and 2006.