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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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.
Who is Andre Portasio?
Andre Portasio is a former-professional ballet dancer. He began dating entertainer Paul O’ Grady, in 2006, before the pair married in the summer of 2017.
Portasio used to perform with the English National Ballet.
The two were married in a 30-minute ceremony in the gardens of The Goring Hotel, central London, on 5 August 2017.
Guests such as actors Ian McKellen and Michael Cashman and comedian Julian Clary attended the reception.
BBC pays tribute to Paul O’Grady airing Blankety Blank show with Lily Savage
Ahead of O’Grady’s funeral, the BBC paid tribute by airing an episode of quiz show Blankety Blank featuring the late star’s drag alter ego Lily Savage.
Watch a clip below:
Paul O’Grady funeral: Where will star be laid to rest?
Though Paul O’rady will be having a private funeral service, his husband Andre Portasio posted in local Facebook groups inviting the local school and community to line the streets of his local village to mourn the comedian.
Residents are invited to stand on Roman Road, Forge Hill or New Road Hill in Aldington and Bonnington, Kent between 2.10pm and 2.45pm today, and Portasio asked any visitors to “respect the villagers and the local area”.
Paul O’Grady’s poignant words on death and counting his blessings
The funeral of Paul O’Grady, the adored TV presenter and comedian who broke out with his drag act persona Lily Savage, is taking place today after he died last month aged 67 – but he once said it would be “amazing” if he made it to 60.
His partner Andre Portasio confirmed in a statement that O’Grady died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on 28 March.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion,” Portasio said.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
O’Grady’s cause of death has not been officially confirmed by his representatives, but he had several health issues over the years.
Paul O’Grady’s poignant words on death and counting his blessings
Presenter and comedian, who died aged 67 last month, had said that it would be ‘amazing’ if he got to 60
Paul O’Grady funeral: What time does the procession start, where is it and who’s attending?
Isobel Lewis has drawn up a guide to the TV icon’s funeral today, including times, places and who to look out for on the guest list:
What time does Paul O’Grady’s funeral start, where is it and who’s attending?
Presenter is being buried in Kent village where he died last month
Neighbours pay tribute to ‘fabulous’ Paul O’Grady
Residents of Paul O’Grady’s home village of Aldington, Kent have been invited to watch his funeral procession.
O’Grady lived in Aldington, near Ashford, for more than 20 years and was a well-known face in the village.
On his death, local residents paid tribute to a “fabulous” neighbour.
Linda Harman, a local councillor, told KentOnline: “Paul has been a staunch member and supporter of this village, most recently judging our dog show last summer.
“He always gave up his time and sometimes his money very freely to support this village. He is, as everyone has described, a fabulous, kind, normal person who never stood on a celebrity status.”
Neighbour Francoise Montford said Paul was “a great asset to this village”.
“Paul has been a very kind person and we’re all going to miss him,” she told the local press.
“He did a lot for the primary school. He used to always come along to the summer fetes with his dogs and never asked for any money.
“He had a kind heart, he never praised himself like other actors do and he cared very deeply for animals.
Battersea Dogs & Cats to form guard of honour for O’Grady
Paul O’Grady’s funeral ceremony will feature a special tribute from dogs of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, who will form a guard of honour.
The star rehomed five dogs from there while he filmed his award-winning programme Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs.
More than £270,000 has been raised for the London-based charity since O’Grady’s death.
Watch: Paul O’Grady’s funeral details revealed
Local fans invited to line streets to pay respects
Ahead of O’Grady’s funeral, his husband Andre Portasio posted in local Facebook groups inviting the local school and community to line the streets to mourn the comedian.
He also expressed his “deep gratitude” for the “overwhelming outpouring of support and love” he has received in the wake of O’Grady’s death.
Residents are invited to stand on Roman Road, Forge Hill or New Road Hill between 2.10pm and 2.45pm on Thursday, although Mr Portasio, who married O’Grady in a low-key wedding ceremony in 2017, asked to “respect the villagers and the local area”.
Hello and welcome to our live updates ahead of Paul O’Grady’s funeral this afternoon.
The comedian will be laid to rest in a private ceremony, with his coffin led through his home town of Aldington as local fans gather on the streets to pay their respects and mourn the TV personality.
O’Grady died last month “unexpectedly but peacefully” at his home at the age of 67.
We’ll be bringing you all the latest updates throughout the day.
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