Tributes have been paid to TV presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady, who died aged 67 yesterday evening.
The comedian was known for presenting TV shows such as The Paul O’Grady Show, For the Love of Dogs, and Blankety Blank, which he hosted as his drag act, Lily Savage.
His partner, Andre Portasio, described his passing as “unexpected but peaceful”.
Mr Portasio confirmed the news during the early hours of Wednesday morning, issuing the following 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.”
Fans and peers of the presenter paid their respects, calling him witty, compassionate and kind.
ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly described O’Grady as “a really special man” in an online tribute.
“Such sad news. Paul O’Grady – funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise,” she said.
“Will be sorely missed. A really special man."
Carol Vorderman tweeted: "Paul O'Grady. Already giving them raucous, ripping up the rulebook, mischief making, calling it out, loving hell in heaven. Paul, what are we meant to do without you?"
Amanda Holden said: "Woken up to this sad, sad news. I loved Paul. He was brilliantly opinionated, searingly sharp and very funny. I loved our conversations. I can't quite believe it. Thoughts with Andre and their family".
Piers Morgan tweeted: "RIP Paul O'Grady, 67. A wonderfully warm, mischievous, hilarious guy with a sublime natural talent for broadcasting and making people laugh."
Susanna Reid said on Good Morning Britain: "He was so funny and so compassionate and so loving".
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said: “Paul wasn’t just a brilliant comedian and broadcast personality but a much admired campaigner for LGBT+ equality and animal rights.
“He supported my work for many decades and was a valued patron of the Peter Tatchell Foundation.
“Paul was planning to lead our forthcoming campaign for the police to apologise for their historic persecution of the LGBT+ community. We will miss him. Our sincere condolences to his partner Andre and to all who loved him.
“Paul was one of the loveliest people you could ever meet. Everyone whose lives he touched will miss him greatly, as will those who enjoyed his wit and admired his compassion.”
Tributes also poured in on social media, with one fan tweeting: "Genuinely devastated at the loss of Paul O Grady, he was always a staple in our household from his days as Lilly Savage to his chat shows on BBC and STV and of course his time at Battersea on For The Love of Dogs, never missed an episode, thinking of his family say hi to buster".
Another said: "The wonderful Paul O Grady . I had the pleasure of working with him in Panto and he was wonderful in every way . An absolute Star . RIP beautiful Man x."
A third wrote: "Waking this morning to the sad news that Paul O Grady has died. One of the greatest entertainers & campaigners. RIP Paul, you will be truly missed by so many".
A fourth said: "So incredibly sad to hear of the passing of the wonderful Paul O' Grady. Met him many times when he performed cabaret shows in London an Brighton. Sleep well Lily x."
Another twitter user paid the touching tribute: "This really is a gut punch. Out of drag. You were a teatime comfort for then closeted me. In glorious drag. You had me in complete hysterics, with skits/one-liners that I still revisit to this day. Which is pure testament to what a talent they were. Thank you Paul O Grady."
