A petition for a statue of the late Paul O’Grady to be erected in his hometown has been signed by more than 70,000 heartbroken fans.
The telly star and comedian died "unexpectedly but peacefully" last Tuesday, aged 67.
Tributes have flooded in from bereft friends, family and fans since Paul’s husband Andre Portasio's tragic announcement last week.
And some of animal-lover Paul’s fans have felt the need to turn their grief into action in the form of a petition to have the presenter “immortalised” in Birkenhead.
A change.org appeal created by fan Kieran Gabriel has praised Paul for his lifetime of service to animals, LGBT right and social causes and called for a statue to be erected in his hometown.
The admirer wrote in the petition’s details: “ Paul O'Grady passed away suddenly on March 28th and it only feels right to honour the life of such a great human being by immortalising him in statue form, in his hometown of Birkenhead.
“Paul has left a huge legacy with his trailblazing work as a drag artist, social and political causes, LGBT rights and of course, his love of animals.
“This is a petition to the Wirral Council, who must surely take stock of the huge outpouring of love in the wake of Paul's passing. Liverpool has Cilla, Birkenhead deserves Paul.”
At the time of writing, more than 72,000 fans had signed the appeal, in a massive public outpouring of love for the late star.
Supporters wrote heartfelt messages in the reasons for signing section, including one who suggested the statue should include some “ dogs around him” to reflect his love of animals.
Another gushed: “We have lost a great man, a legend in his own right and I know many of us are still mourning the loss.
“It's so incredibly sad that such a wonderful person could be taken so quickly. He was full of smiles, a wonderful person inside and out.
“This would be just perfect if there could be a statue of Paul to honour the wonderful man that he was as he made so many people/furry friends smile.
“It's so sad to know that we will never see or hear his voice again on our tv screens or radio. Tragic.”
Another suggested: “He gave so much happiness. If Birkenhead don't want a statue, maybe some kind sculptor would make one for BATTERSEA DOGS HOME!”
The petition comes hours after it was revealed that Paul planned his own funeral in extraordinary detail years before his death.
Joking he'd be buried in a glass coffin with Jools Holland playing piano, with Sir Tom Jones and Mica Paris singing, the star had expressed his wishes long before his death last week.
The broadcaster and comedian had told in 2017 how his pal Jools had already agreed to play at his farewell service.
The telly star, who died suddenly last Tuesday, revealed his wishes to be “remembered as someone who tried to help animals” rather than a comedian or broadcaster.
