Alan Carr has recalled Paul O'Grady's comments about 'going to heaven' in a heartbreaking tribute following his death. The comedian took to Instagram with a snap of himself and Paul out for dinner which many of the late star's celebrity pals have said could last '10 hours'.
The image showed Alan and Paul with chips sticking out of their mouths as if to mimic cigarettes as they stared into the camera. The post comes after it was announced that comedian and TV star Paul had died on Tuesday evening (March 28), aged 67.
His partner Andre Portasio confirmed in a statement that O'Grady, who rose to fame on the nightclub circuit as the acerbic, platinum wig-wearing Lily Savage, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" in a statement issued in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Mr 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 added: "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."
Sharing his unseen images to Instagram, Alan wrote: "I’ve been no use to anyone today. Loved Paul, who didn’t? A true one off. 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."
He then recalled a recent conversation he heard between O'Grady and a friend about the afterlife. Alan added: "He will be missed SO much, my friend asked him recently ‘do you think you’ll go to heaven Paul?’ Quick as a whip he replied ‘I hope not, I won’t know anyone’. You legend."
Former Coronation Street star Sally Lindsay, who paid her own emotional tribute on This Morning following the death of her friend, responded to Alan's post and said: "I think I took that pic kiddo ,you were both hysterical. Another amazing night with the crew. There will be an empty seat at our table now that can never be filled."
O'Grady was said to have been "laughing, smiling and full of life "shortly before his death, his friend and radio producer Malcolm Prince said, as the Queen Consort joined those paying tribute after the news broke on Wednesday. Prince, who worked with O’Grady at both BBC Radio 2 and Boom Radio – an independent station aimed at Baby Boomers – said he is devastated by his loss and added in a tweet: “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 said that O’Grady, who had been touring playing Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie, had been “so proud” of the role and added: “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."
O’Grady left his Radio 2 Sunday afternoon slot in August last year after almost 14 years, following a schedule shake-up which saw him regularly swapping with comic Rob Beckett. He and Prince, known to fans as #TeamPOG, appeared on Boom Radio for a Christmas special and were due to return to the station for a one-off show on Easter Sunday.
The royal family’s official Twitter account paid tribute, posting an image of O’Grady with Camilla, after they worked closely in support of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. The post read: “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."
Camilla will be sharing her sympathies with O’Grady’s family privately in due course, Buckingham Palace added. Paul's royal special of For The Love of Dogs with Camilla was also re-broadcast by ITV on Thursday.
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