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

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.

Key Points

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

Wednesday 29 March 2023 14:45 , Roisin O'Connor

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

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

10:30 , Nicole Vassell

As well as being a much-loved entertainer, Paul O’Grady has been remembered for his activism and his unwavering support of marginalised communities.

In his tribute, It’s a Sin creator Russell T Davies named O’Grady as being ‘ferocious in the fight against Aids’. He added: “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.”

Charlotte McLaughlin reports.

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

‘Loved Paul, who didn’t?’ Alan Carr remembers Paul O’Grady in heartfelt tribute post

10:00 , Nicole Vassell

Alan Carr reacted to news of Paul O’Grady’s death with a post on social media.

Carr shared a selfie of him and his fellow comedian on Instagram with the caption: “I’ve been no use to anyone today.”

He remembered: “Having dinner with Paul O’Grady was the closest any of us would get to having dinner with Dorothy Parker or Truman Capote – he would have you literally in hysterics regaling these showbiz anecdotes and quips from Marlene Dietrich to Cilla Black to The Royals to the Disappointer Sisters – it seemed like he knew everyone.”

The former Chatty Man host also recalled a joke he’d heard O’Grady tell recently: “My friend asked him... ‘do you think you’ll go to heaven Paul?’ Quick as a whip he replied ‘I hope not, I won’t know anyone.’”

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

09:30 , Peony Hirwani

Eddie Izzard honours Paul O’Grady for his ‘positive mark’ on the country’s history

09:00 , Peony Hirwani

Suzy Eddie Izzard remembered Paul O’Grady as a “lovely” and “decent guy, who cared about people” following his death aged 67.

“Appearing on The Paul O’Grady Show was always fun. He was a lovely, decent guy who cared about people. You could see that in the way he interacted with them,” fellow British comedian Izzard told The Guardian of O’Grady.

“Obviously we shared an interest in politics. His positions might not be exactly my positions, although ripping into the Tories like he did – absolutely. But he did things his way and with aplomb. I can’t imagine he’d ever want to stand to be an MP like I did, because that would have been too hampering,” she continued.

Inga Parkel reports.

Eddie Izzard honours Paul O’Grady for his ‘positive mark’ on the country’s history

‘Minute of applause’ observed for Paul O’Grady at famous London drag show venue

08:30 , Peony Hirwani

Paul O’Grady has been remembered as “one of the greatest drag artists the UK has ever seen” at a south London venue where he found mainstream success.

Wednesday night’s show at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, in Vauxhall, saw a minute of raucous applause for the TV star, instead of a typical minute of silence.

Read more:

‘Minute of applause’ observed for Paul O’Grady at famous London drag show venue

‘Good Morning Britain’ airs special segment for Paul O’Grady

08:00 , Nicole Vassell

Tom Hardy pays tribute to ‘laughter and kindness’ of Paul O’Grady

07:30 , Peony Hirwani

“Such a lovely lovely human. Thankyou for all you have done the laughter and the kindness and for your love of dogs,” writes British actor Tom Hardy.

“You will be missed.”

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

07:00 , Peony Hirwani

In 2013, Paul O’Grady 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.”

Ellie Harrison reports.

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

Divina de Campo leads Drag Race UK tributes to ‘titan’ Paul O’Grady

06:30 , Peony Hirwani

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Divina de Campo said Paul O’Grady “reached new heights and truly was a drag star”.

The comedian and TV and radio presenter, who died on Tuesday evening aged 67, rose to fame on the nightclub circuit with his larger-than-life alter ego Lily Savage.

Names from across the drag world have paid tribute to him.

The Vivienne, Cheryl Hole and Cheddar Gorgeous were among those who hailed O’Grady’s legacy on social media.

Imy Brighty-Potts reports.

Divina de Campo leads Drag Race UK tributes to ‘titan’ Paul O’Grady

Voices: What Lily Savage’s legacy means to drag queens like me

06:00 , Peony Hirwani

“Lily was a strong-willed activist, who stood up for our community during the most difficult times,” writes Tia Kofi.

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

Paul O’Grady ‘improved the lives of Britain’s LGBT+ community’ – tributes

05:30 , Peony Hirwani

Paul O’Grady improved the lives of Britain’s LGBT+ community and his cultural impact resonates across the world, fellow comedian Eddie Izzard said on Wednesday (29 March) as Sir Elton John, Queen Consort Camilla and Ken Bruce led tributes.

Alastair Jamieson reports.

Paul O’Grady ‘improved the lives of Britain’s LGBT+ community’

Tribute: Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure

05:00 , Peony Hirwani

The roof-raising riot, who combined warm compassion with outrageously spiky wit, has died unexpectedly aged 67. The Independent’s Michael Hogan looks back on his glittering career.

Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure

Video: Paul O'Grady feeds pigs in final Instagram post

04:21 , Tom Murray

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

03:20 , Tom Murray

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:

Camilla with Paul O’Grady in 2022 (Getty Images)
Camilla with Paul O’Grady in 2022 (Getty Images)

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

‘I’ve been no use to anyone today,’ says Alan Carr

02:19 , Tom Murray

Alan Carr has responded to the news of O’Grady’s death after a day of grieving.

Carr shared a selfie of him and his fellow comedian on Instagram with the caption: “I’ve been no use to anyone today.”

He remembered: “Having dinner with Paul O’Grady was the closest any of us would get to having dinner with Dorothy Parker or Truman Capote – he would have you literally in hysterics regaling these showbiz anecdotes and quips from Marlene Dietrich to Cilla Black to The Royals to the Disappointer Sisters – it seemed like he knew everyone.”

The former Chatty Man host also recalled a joke he’d heard O’Grady tell recently: “My friend asked him... ‘do you think you’ll go to heaven Paul?’ Quick as a whip he replied ‘I hope not, I won’t know anyone.’”

Eddie Izzard honours ‘lovely’ and ‘decent guy, who cared about people'

01:20 , Tom Murray

Suzy Eddie Izzard credited O’Grady with helping her come out as transgender “in the TV world back in 1991”.

“I’m sure it helped that Paul was already out there, being very relaxed,” she said.

A major part of O’Grady’s legacy was his career as his drag persona, Lily Savage.

Read more:

Eddie Izzard honours Paul O’Grady for his ‘positive mark’ on the country’s history

ITV announces schedule change to honour Paul O’Grady

Thursday 30 March 2023 00:20 , Inga Parkel

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 (ITV)
Paul O’Grady (ITV)

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

Wednesday 29 March 2023 23:20 , Inga Parkel

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’s poignant words on death and counting his blessings

Wednesday 29 March 2023 22:20 , Inga Parkel

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 (Multistory Media / Battersea Cats and Dogs Home)
Paul O’Grady (Multistory Media / Battersea Cats and Dogs Home)

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

Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure

Wednesday 29 March 2023 21:20 , Inga Parkel

Paul O’Grady (Getty Images)
Paul O’Grady (Getty Images)

Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure

The roof-raising riot, who combined warm compassion with outrageously spiky wit, has died unexpectedly aged 67. Michael Hogan looks back on his glittering career

Best clips from ‘The Paul O’Grady Show’ stitched together

Wednesday 29 March 2023 20:40 , Inga Parkel

“Just two minutes of the unbridled and wonderful chaos that was The Paul O'Grady Show,” one Twitter user captioned a post, alongside a two-minute clip of the comedian’s best moments.

‘Good Morning Britain’ air special segment for Paul O’Grady

Wednesday 29 March 2023 20:20 , Inga Parkel

Pride in London honours LGBT+ ‘icon’ Paul O’Grady

Wednesday 29 March 2023 19:40 , Inga Parkel

Who is Andre Portasio, Paul O’Grady’s husband?

Wednesday 29 March 2023 19:20 , Inga Parkel

Born in Brazil, Andre Portasio is a former-professional ballerina who danced with The English National Ballet.

The pair reportedly began dating in 2006, a year after Paul O’Grady’s long-term partner and manager Brendan Murphy died in 2005 from an inoperable brain tumour.

After 11 years of dating, O’Grady and Portasio got married in a lowkey wedding ceremony, according to reports.

O’Grady, who was 25 years Portasio’s senior, once revealed that the key to their successful marriage was having separate bedrooms and bathrooms.

Paul O’Grady and Andre Portasio (Getty Images)
Paul O’Grady and Andre Portasio (Getty Images)

“I remember Joan Collins on my show saying the secret to a happy marriage was different bathrooms,” the comedian told The Sun in 2020. “She was right – and separate bedrooms also work a treat. I don’t like sharing a bed.”

Who was Paul O’Grady’s alter ego Lily Savage?

Wednesday 29 March 2023 18:40 , Inga Parkel

Lily Savage became O’Grady’s first stage persona. Often sporting a platinum blond beehive wig, incredible amounts of makeup, white stilettos and a leopardskin matching skirt and fur coat set, Savage was born in the 1980s.

She performed in the gay pubs of south London, with her acts heavily relying on her strong lawless attitude and audience insults.

O’Grady’s alter-ego was said to have been inspired, in part, by his Auntie Chrissie.

Lily Savage / Paul O’Grady as Widow Twankey in ‘Aladdin, A Wish Come True’ in 2012 (Bettina Strenske/Lnp/Shutterstock)
Lily Savage / Paul O’Grady as Widow Twankey in ‘Aladdin, A Wish Come True’ in 2012 (Bettina Strenske/Lnp/Shutterstock)

“She had a hard life, but she used to suck her cheeks in and fancy herself as Marlene Dietrich,” the comedian once described of his bus conductor aunt.

Savage later appeared on BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 , where she soon became a phenomenon. However, she was eventually put to rest in 2005 after O’Grady claimed she had “seen the light, taken the veil and packed herself off to a convent in France”.

When and how did Paul O’Grady die?

Wednesday 29 March 2023 18:20 , Inga Parkel

TV presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady died on Tuesday (28 March) at the age of 67.

The exact cause of his death hasn’t been revealed.

The news was announced by his partner Andre Portasio.

The TV star, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday (28 March) evening, a statement shared with the PA news agency said.

Portasio said: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.

“We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.

“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.

“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”

O’Grady had a history of heart disease in his family. He had two heart attacks in 2002 and 2006.

Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure

Wednesday 29 March 2023 17:40 , Roisin O'Connor

The roof-raising riot, who combined warm compassion with outrageously spiky wit, has died unexpectedly aged 67.

Michael Hogan looks back on his glittering career

Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure

Dominic Raab heckled after calling Paul O’Grady ‘Paul Grayson’ during PMQs tribute

Wednesday 29 March 2023 17:21 , Roisin O'Connor

Dominic Raab heckled after calling Paul O’Grady ‘Paul Grayson’ during PMQs tribute

Tom Hardy pays tribute to ‘laughter and kindness’ of Paul O’Grady

Wednesday 29 March 2023 16:57 , Roisin O'Connor

“Such a lovely lovely human. Thankyou for all you have done the laughter and the kindness and for your love of dogs,” writes British actor Tom Hardy.

“You will be missed.”

Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure

Wednesday 29 March 2023 16:40 , Roisin O'Connor

Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure

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

Wednesday 29 March 2023 16:20 , Roisin O'Connor

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’

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

Wednesday 29 March 2023 16:00 , Roisin O'Connor

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

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

Wednesday 29 March 2023 15:40 , Roisin O'Connor

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

Wednesday 29 March 2023 15:19 , Roisin O'Connor

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’

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

Wednesday 29 March 2023 15:01 , Roisin O'Connor

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

Wednesday 29 March 2023 14:22 , Roisin O'Connor

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

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

Wednesday 29 March 2023 14:00 , Nicole Vassell

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.

Kim Cattrall shares video with Paul O’Grady

Wednesday 29 March 2023 13:45 , Nicole Vassell

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.

ITV announces schedule change to honour Paul O’Grady

Wednesday 29 March 2023 13:30 , Nicole Vassell

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 (Multistory Media / Battersea Cats and Dogs Home)
Paul O’Grady (Multistory Media / Battersea Cats and Dogs Home)