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Paul O’Grady death – latest news: Camilla, Elton John and Joe Lycett pay tribute after presenter dies aged 67

TV presenter known for his drag persona Lily Savage died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’, his partner Andre Portasio said

Paul O’Grady: TV star and comedian dies at the age of 67

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Fans, friends and colleagues are continuing to pay tribute to Paul O’Grady, who died on Tuesday evening (28 March), aged 67.

Queen Camilla, Elton John, Lorraine Kelly, Piers Morgan, Joe Lycett and others from the TV industry have paid tribute, as well as MPs at PMQs on Wednesday afternoon (29 March).

Dominic Raab was mocked after incorrectly paying tribute to the “incredible comic Paul Grayson”, instead of Paul O’Grady.

“Paul Grayson was an incredible comic, but he also...” Raab said during PMQs on Wednesday 29 March, before eventually correcting himself.

In 2013, O’Grady made a poignant comment on death and living past the age of 60.

Throughout his career, the TV host, known for his drag persona Lily Savage, won numerous accolades including a TV Bafta, a British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award for The Paul O’Grady Show.

He was also known for his love for animals. He lived in a farmhouse in Kent with his husband Andre Portasio along with a menagerie of animals including four dogs, goats, sheep, chickens and barn owls.

Pinned

Queen ‘deeply saddened’ by death of fellow dog-lover Paul O’Grady

Camilla has shared her sadness at the news that TV presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady has died aged 67.

The Queen Consort shared a special bond with the late star, and worked closely with him in their support of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

She will be sharing her sympathies with Paul’s family privately in due course, the Palace said in a statement.

Full story:

Queen ‘deeply saddened’ by death of fellow dog-lover Paul O’Grady

Official statement from the Palace paid tribute to the late TV presenter, who worked closely with the Queen Consort in support of Battersea

Roisin O'Connor29 March 2023 14:45

ITV announces schedule change to honour Paul O’Grady

In light of Paul O’Grady’s unexpected death, ITV has announced a change to ITV1’s schedule for Wednesday.

At 5pm, ITV1 will broadcast a repeat episode of Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs: A Royal Special instead of The Chase.

Later, at 8pm, the channel will air a tribute special called For the Love of Paul O’Grady.

Finally, the new series of Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs will air at 8.30pm as planned.

Paul O’Grady
Paul O’Grady (Multistory Media / Battersea Cats and Dogs Home)
Nicole Vassell29 March 2023 13:30

Kim Cattrall shares video with Paul O’Grady

Another celebrity figure paying tribute to Paul O’Grady today is Kim Cattrall.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, the Liverpool-born Canadian actor posted a video of her appearing on O’Grady’s talk show, in which they happily embrace.

“Our hearts are broken,” reads Cattrall’s caption for the post.

Nicole Vassell29 March 2023 13:45

Dominic Raab misnames Paul O’Grady as ‘Paul Grayson’ in Commons speech

Dominic Raab drew groans in the House of Commons this afternoon when he paid tribute to “Paul Grayson” instead of Paul O’Grady.

Following on from a tribute from Labour MP Chris Bryant, Raab said: “I totally agree with him, Paul Grayson was an incredible comic but he also…”

After hearing the grumbles from his fellow MPs, Raab grinned and corrected his mistake.

Paul O'Grady: Dominic Raab pays tribute to 'Paul Grayson' in PMQs mishap
Nicole Vassell29 March 2023 14:00

Paul O’Grady’s poignant words on death and counting his blessings

In 2013, O’Grady was rushed to hospital after being struck by angina – chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. It’s not usually life threatening, but it’s a warning sign that you could be at risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Earlier that year, he had shared his thoughts on his mortality. “I do count my blessings,” he said, according to The Mirror. “I have had two heart attacks, and if I get to 60 that will be amazing. I don’t fear anything nowadays.

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

Paul O’Grady’s poignant words on death and counting his blessings

Presenter and comedian, who has died aged 67, had said that it would be ‘amazing’ if he got to 60

Roisin O'Connor29 March 2023 14:22

Paul O'Grady rips into austerity policies in fiery 2010 post-Budget monologue

Paul O'Grady rips into austerity policies in fiery 2010 post-Budget monologue
Roisin O'Connor29 March 2023 15:01

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has paid tribute to Paul O’Grady as a “devoted animal lover” and a “champion for the underdog” following his death.

The TV star had close ties to the organisation, which praised his “razor-sharp humour and perpetual generosity and warmth”.

O’Grady died unexpectedly on Tuesday at the age of 67, his partner Andre Portasio said.

The TV and radio presenter became an ambassador for Battersea in 2012, following the success of ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs, which was filmed at the home.

He presented the show for eleven series, during which time he laid bare his “passion for all things dog”, the charity said.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home hails Paul O’Grady as ‘champion for the underdog’

O’Grady became an ambassador for the charity in 2012, following the success of ITV’s multi-award-winning ‘For The Love Of Dogs’

Roisin O'Connor29 March 2023 15:19

Dog treats among tributes left outside Paul O’Grady’s Kent farm

Dog treats and flowers have been laid in tribute to Paul O’Grady outside the gates to his farm in a quiet Kent village, as neighbours described him as “wonderful”.

Residents of the country road in Adlington spoke of the “real loss” they felt at the 67-year-old TV personality’s unexpected death.

More than a dozen members of the public arrived to lay bouquets of flowers, and even a large bag of Pointer bone-shaped treats, on a misty Wednesday morning before the tributes were taken inside.

Dog treats among tributes left outside Paul O’Grady’s Kent farm

Neighbours in the village of Adlington said the TV star was ‘wonderful’ and spoke of the ‘real loss’ they felt at his unexpected death

Roisin O'Connor29 March 2023 15:40

'What Lily Savage’s legacy means for drag queens like me’

Lily was a strong-willed activist, who stood up for our community during the most difficult times, writes Drag Race UK star Tia Kofi:

What Lily Savage’s legacy means to drag queens like me | Tia Kofi

Lily was a strong-willed activist, who stood up for our community during the most difficult times

Roisin O'Connor29 March 2023 16:00

Elton John and Russell T Davies remember Paul O’Grady as ‘ferocious in the fight against Aids’

Sir Elton John and It’s A Sin creator Russell T Davies have paid tribute to Paul O’Grady, remembering him as “ferocious in the fight against Aids” after his death aged 67.

The TV and radio presenter died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening, a statement shared with the PA news agency via a representative said.

Queer As Folk creator Davies said on Instagram: “The saddest news. What a star. What a lovely man.

“He was ferocious in the fight against AIDS; he made everyone love drag; he once asked me if he could be in Doctor Who. “I just want to wear a white coat and carry a clipboard and walk down a corridor saying ‘I think it’s alive, Doctor.’”

“When asked in 2021 if he despised anyone, he said: ‘Every single stinking member of this lying, self-serving government.’ There will never be anyone like him.”

Paul O’Grady remembered as ‘ferocious in the fight against Aids’

Russell T Davies and Sir Elton John are among those who have paid tribute to the TV and radio star after his death aged 67.

Roisin O'Connor29 March 2023 16:20

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