Paul O’Grady funeral – live: Mourners and dogs lined streets for Lily Savage star’s service in Kent
Andre Portasio, the comedian’s husband, invites residents to watch procession in O’Grady’s hometown of Aldington, Kent, before the private funeral service
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Your support makes all the difference.Paul O’Grady has ben laid to rest in a private ceremony featuring a special tribute from dogs from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
The TV icon, who rose to fame as his drag queen alter ego Lily Savage before going on to host a string of TV shows, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” at home last month aged 67.
His funeral took place this afternoon and featured a guard of honour with dogs, in a special nod to O’Grady’s work as an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2012. He rehomed five dogs while filming his ITV series Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs.
Local fans lined the streets to pay their respects as O’Grady’s coffin was led through his home town of Aldington in Kent. Stars in attendance at the funeral included Ronnie Wood, Alan Carr, Gaby Roslin, Jo Brand, and Julian Clary.
It comes after O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio posted in local Facebook groups inviting the local school and community to mourn the comedian, expressing his “deep gratitude” for the “overwhelming outpouring of support and love” he has received in the wake of his spouse’s death.
Paul O’Grady’s funeral service was restricted to his family and closest friends, which included numerous celebrities.
Alan Carr and Ronnie Wood among mourners at Paul O’Grady’s funeral
Ronnie Wood, Julian Clary and Alan Carr are among people present at the presenter’s funeral
The Salvation Army Band that welcomed mourners to Paul O’Grady’s service in Kent played the song “Tomorrow” from the musical Annie.
O’Grady was touring with a production of Annie at the time of his death.
Paul O’Grady’s coffin was carried into church as dogs from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home formed a “guard of honour” in a special tribute to the TV star, who became an ambassador for the charity in 2012.
Among the celebrities in attendance at Paul O’Grady’s private funeral service were comedian Julian Clary, the late Dame Barbara Windsor’s widower Scott Mitchell and EastEnders actor Scott Maslen.
Paul O’Grady’s wooden coffin was adorned with a wreath of lilies.
Following close behind the TV star’s husband, Andre Portasio, in the procession was his only child, daughter Sharyn Mousley.
Sharyn walked alongside a young man, believed to be O’Grady’s grandson, who was holding Lily Savage’s wig.
Paul O’Grady’s coffin has arrived at the church in Aldington, Kent.
The service, led by Reverend Canon Roger Martin, will take place privately.
Paul O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio, and their pet dog, led the procession to the TV star’s funeral.
A Salvation Army Band has welcomed mourners to Paul O’Grady’s funeral service, which is taking place at St Rumwold’s Parish Church in Aldington, Kent.
Paul O’Grady’s husband, Andre Portasio, shared a message to the TV star’s fans while inviting them to watch his procession in Aldington.
“In order to avoid road congestion and public disorder, we kindly ask all residents to treat this invitation personally and if attending to stand on either Roman Road, Forge Hill, or New Road Hill so to respect the villagers and the local area,” Portasio wrote.
“Please note for public safety Church Road as well as Knoll Hill will be closed on the day of the procession. We kindly ask everyone to respect the family’s wishes and maintain social distancing throughout the event.”
Which celebrities will be in attendance at Paul O’Grady’s funeral?
Stars attending the funeral service of Paul O’Grady include Ronnie Wood, Alan Carr, Gaby Roslin, Jo Brand, Sheila Hancock, Cheryl Fergison and LGBT rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.
A Salvation Army Band has welcomed mourners to the service, which is taking place at St Rumwold’s Parish Church.
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