Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Lucy Needham & Jessica Earnshaw & Andy Rudd

Paul O'Grady's cause of death revealed ahead of funeral after star died 'unexpectedly' at 67

Paul O'Grady will be laid to rest today with fans invited to line the streets to mourn the much-loved TV presenter.

The entertainer died at his Kent home on March 28 at the age of 67.

A statement shared by family at the time of Paul's death revealed the Lily Savage star had died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' at the age of 67.

The official death certificate has now confirmed that Paul died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia.

The British Heart Foundation, describes sudden arrhythmic death syndrome - or SADS - as person dying suddenly following a cardiac arrest and no obvious cause can be found.

Paul had spoken openly about his battles with heart disease and having endured three heart attacks before the age of 65.

His death certificate, obtained by the Daily Express, showed long-time friend and former PA and agent, Joan Marshrons, registered the entertainer's death six days after he died at home.

Fans had been left shocked by the sudden news of Paul's passing last month, which was announced midway through his UK tour of musical Annie and just days after he signed a new contract with Boom Radio station.

Paul's husband Andre Portasio said the loss had come as 'unexpectedly' to his loved ones as he made the devastating news public on social media.

"It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening," Andre penned last month.

Paul's husband, Andre Portasio announced his death in a statement to fans (GETTY)

"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."

Paul had previously joked he was 'counting his blessings' in regards to his health and said it would be a 'miracle' if he reached 60.

"I don’t fear anything nowadays," he previousy told The Mirror.

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

Revealing the history of heart disease in his family, Paul said he had been 'expecting' his first heart attack in 2002.

"I’d sort of been waiting for it… all of our family has died of heart disease. But I never thought I wasn’t going to make it. God, no."

Paul experienced a second attack in 2006 as he shopped in Waitrose.

The Lily Savage star said he thought 'I’ll be ok in a minute', and so headed home, made himself ice cream and meatloaf before taking painkillers.

In January 2014, O’Grady spoke out a third heart scare, telling The Mirror: "I’d rather live life to the full, even if that’s five or 10 years. That’s better to me than sitting at home and living for 30 years."

Paul, pictured as alter ego Lily Savage, had multiple scares with his health - including three heart attacks (Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock)

He also spoke about knowing that smoking was contributing to his ailing health.

"I've always said I have two great loves, Benson and Hedges, so it's not been easy quitting," he once quipped.

Following news of his death last month, it has been suggested that Paul will have two funerals, with an intimate ceremony planned for his close friends and family to grieve privately which will be followed by a larger celebration of his colourful life.

The first celebration of Paul's life is to take place on Thursday 20 April, his widowed partner Andre revealed.

Sharing the news alongside a picture of Paul wearing white angel's wings, Andre said locals can join the streets to see the procession pass through Aldington.

A private memorial is also planned for Port Lympne Safari Park, where the 67-year-old was a regular visitor.

Paul O'Grady's fans have been asked to line the streets to pay their respects (Facebook)

Paul's good friend Amanda Mealing said that Paul would not have wanted his funeral to be a sad affair.

"He just told us to have a good time - he'd hate it everyone was mawkish and morose. He would say: 'I don't care. I won't be here! Do what you want."

Paul was back on TV this week for the final ever series of For the Love of Dogs filmed before his tragic death.

Fans were left in tears at one scene that was made even more poignant by Paul's sudden passing as the caring presenter said good bye to a rescue dog he had helped nurse to full health.

Paul reduced viewers to tears with an emotional bye that aired in the last ever series of For The Love of Dogs (ITV)

He affectionaltey told Peggy: "It's been a real privilige to get to know you. It has. It's not every day you get to meet a special dog like you. You're very beautiful.

"But I've got to go now. All right sweetie. It's been lovely knowing you. Good luck. See ya," as she went to her forever home.

A clearly moved Paul told the cameras: "Why me!? It's too hard to say goodbye."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.