Paul O'Grady's close friend has revealed how he once scolded him for "breaking doctor's orders".
Christopher Biggins appeared on today's edition of Loose Women to issue a tribute to the Birkenhead icon. The world of showbiz is still reeling after Paul died last week aged 67.
Christopher enjoyed a long friendship with the national treasure and paid a moving tribute on the popular ITV programme. He said: ""It's the saddest thing that has happened. I mean it is tragic.
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"I remember seeing him in all the gay pubs years ago and people would say he's going to be a big star on television. No way I thought, but he proved us all wrong. He was the best man ever.
"He was so funny. That wit we will never see again."
Christopher recalled how Paul would use his sense of humour to turn a situation on its head. The Lily Savage star had previously suffered a number of health problems including several heart attacks.
Christopher explained how Paul didn't listen to medical advice when they were on holiday together in Spain with Cilla Black. He told the panel: "He had been told not to smoke by his doctor. This was years ago. Me and Cilla were having coffee downstairs and she said 'can you smell cigarette smoke?'"
Christopher went upstairs to inspect Paul's room and scolded the TV personality for breaking doctor's orders. However, Paul continually insisted he hadn't smoked a cigarette.
Christopher added: He said: "I said yes you have, we can smell it downstairs. I shout at him and within five minutes we were on the floor in hysterical laughter because that was Paul. He could turn it around but he was very naughty. He did things like smoking and drinking when he shouldn't have done."
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