Paul O'Grady

Comedian famous for drag persona Lily Savage and his popular Radio 2 show died 'unexpectedly but peacefully', his partner says.

A really special man," she said. "Such sad news. "He was laughing, smiling and full of life," he said in a statement. He took on chat show The Lily Savage Show for the BBC for a short run in 1997 and later that year had success as the host of a revived version of gameshow Blankety Blank, which ran until 2002. Last year he was joined by the Queen Consort in a special one-off episode of For The Love Of Dogs to mark 160 years of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an organisation for which he was an ambassador. O'Grady's career as Savage took off with TV and radio appearances in character and he was eventually asked to take over from Paula Yates as The Big Breakfast presenter as Savage from 1995 to 1996.

The comedian, actor and writer, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening, according to a ...

“Paul was planning to lead our forthcoming campaign for the police to apologise for their historic persecution of the LGBT+ community. He took on chat show The Lily Savage Show for the BBC for a short run in 1997 and later that year had success as the host of a revived version of gameshow Blankety Blank, which ran until 2002. Last year he was joined by the Queen Consort in a special one-off episode of For The Love Of Dogs to mark 160 years of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an organisation for which he was an ambassador. Paul O’Grady – funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise. [ITV](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/itv)’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of [Dogs](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/teamdogs). We will miss him.

O'Grady's death was confirmed to the BBC by his partner Andre Portasio, who said the popular TV host died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening. O' ...

A mainstay on British television, he was also the host of ITV’s daytime chat show “The Paul O’Grady Show” and Channel 5’s “Blind Date” reboot. He fronted the show until it concluded in 2019. (The show is scheduled to travel to Southampton in April.

The Tranmere-born star presented the popular comedy game show, Blankety Blank, in the late 90s under the guise of Lily Savage and hosted The Paul O'Grady ...

We were all lucky to have Paul in our lives. Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing smiling and full of life. The presenter was honoured with an MBE for services to entertainment in 2008, adding to a list of achievements including a TV Bafta, a British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award for The Paul O'Grady Show. The Tranmere-born star presented the popular comedy game show, Blankety Blank, in the late 90s under the guise of Lily Savage and hosted The Paul O'Grady Show, Blind Date and For The Love Of Dogs in a 30 year career. TV star and comedian Paul O'Grady has died at the age of 67, his partner Andre Portasio has said. TV star and comedian Paul O'Grady has died at the age of 67

Presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady has died at the age of 67, his partner Andre Portasio has said. The TV star, also known for his drag queen persona Lily ...

O’Grady took over the reins from Blind Date’s long-running presenter and his close friend Cilla Black, who died in 2015, as he hosted the Channel 5 reboot of the show in 2017. Presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady has died at the age of 67, his partner Andre Portasio has said. Mr Portasio said in his statement: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.

Partner announces 'unexpected but peaceful' death of personality who fronted Blind Date, Blankety Blank and was known for his drag persona Lily Savage.

In his final show, he said it was “one of the longest jobs I’ve ever held down. A well-known animal lover who kept dogs, pigs, bats, ferrets and more at his farm in Kent, O’Grady also presented the award-winning show For The Love Of Dogs. Last year he was joined by the queen consort in a special one-off episode to mark 160 years of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, an organisation for which he was an ambassador. By 1978, he was developing his drag act Lily Savage in gay clubs, basing the loud-mouthed single mother and occasional sex worker on female relatives. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion,” Portasio said in his statement. In 1991, when he was nominated for the Perrier award, the UK’s most prestigious comedy prize, O’Grady came to mainstream attention and began appearing on radio and television as himself.

Paul O' Grady with the award for best Factual Entertainment in the Press Room at the National Television Awards 2019 held at the O2 Arena, London.

I say to them, ‘Heart attack or not, I’m hopeless on treadmills!”‘ He also spoke about his health at the time, having had two heart attacks, saying: “The worst thing you can do is to sit and fret. O’Grady’s love of animals was also apparent through his other work and in September 2016, he was recognised for his work with animals when he won the award for Outstanding Contribution to Animal Welfare at the RSPCA’s Animal Hero Awards. O’Grady became popular with a whole new audience as the host of The Paul O’Grady Show which aired in a teatime slot on ITV from 2004 to 2005, later moving it to Channel 4 as The New Paul O’Grady Show. Last year he was joined by the Queen Consort in a special one-off episode of For The Love Of Dogs to mark 160 years of the home. He was well known for his self-titled daytime chat show, The Paul O’Grady Show, which began airing in 2004, followed by the New Paul O’Grady Show.

The TV star died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' on Tuesday evening, a statement shared with the PA news agency via a representative said.

He took on chat show The Lily Savage Show for the BBC for a short run in 1997 and later that year had success as the host of a revived version of gameshow Blankety Blank, which ran until 2002. O’Grady’s career as Savage took off with TV and radio appearances in character and he was eventually asked to take over from Paula Yates as The Big Breakfast presenter as Savage from 1995 to 1996. Last year he was joined by the Queen Consort in a special one-off episode of For The Love Of Dogs to mark 160 years of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an organisation for which he was an ambassador. He began his career performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s whilst working as a peripatetic care officer for Camden Council, going on to tour northern England as part of drag duo the Playgirls. O’Grady took over the reins from Blind Date’s long-running presenter and his close friend Cilla Black, who died in 2015, as he hosted the Channel 5 reboot of the show in 2017. During his career, he hosted The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs.

Before his death aged 67, presenter, comedian and drag queen Paul O'Grady had a vibrant and varied career in the entertainment industry spanning more than ...

All pictures subject to copyright. Paul O'Grady: A life in pictures [his death aged 67](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-65108130), presenter, comedian and drag queen Paul O'Grady had a vibrant and varied career in the entertainment industry spanning more than three decades.

Paul O'Grady's fans and peers have paid tribute to the late comedian following his death yesterday evening, describing him as 'wonderful' and 'one of the ...

A fourth said: "So incredibly sad to hear of the passing of the wonderful Paul O' Grady. “Paul was planning to lead our forthcoming campaign for the police to apologise for their historic persecution of the LGBT+ community. I had the pleasure of working with him in Panto and he was wonderful in every way . RIP Paul, you will be truly missed by so many". One of the greatest entertainers & campaigners. Sleep well Lily x." Piers Morgan tweeted: "RIP Paul O'Grady, 67. Out of drag. Carol Vorderman tweeted: "Paul O'Grady. Paul, what are we meant to do without you?" I loved our conversations. I loved Paul.

MAILONLINE LIVEBLOG: TV presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady has died at the age of 67.

'It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening,' [ Mr Portasio wrote in a statement.](11913831) We have lost a unique talent - and I’ve lost a dear friend. He was so proud of ‘Annie’, so happy to be back on Boom Radio, and he was looking forward to so many new projects. My heart goes out to Andre, Paul’s family, and friends. Dogs are the best judge of character and they LOVED him.' We were all lucky to have Paul in our lives. The kindest, funniest man - warm, witty and wise. Telly and friends have lost one of the best….RIP.' Lorraine Kelly paid tribute to the star early Wednesday. And now he’s gone. Farewell my friend x' He will be missed.

Tributes are flooding across social media following the death of much-loved TV host Paul O'Grady. It was confirmed that he had passed away "unexpectedly but ...

“Paul was planning to lead our forthcoming campaign for the police to apologise for their historic persecution of the LGBT+ community. Paul O’Grady became a household name in the early noughties, known for his wit and love of animals. O’Grady took over the reins from Blind Date’s long-running presenter and his close friend Cilla Black, who died in 2015, to host the Channel 5 reboot of the show in 2017. Malcolm said: "Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing, smiling, and full of life. He will be dearly missed.” He was also renowned for his drag queen alter ego, Lily Savage.

TV presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady has 'unexpectedly' died aged 67, his partner has confirmed.

For a short run in 1997, he took on chat show The Lily Savage Show for the BBC and later that year had success as the host of a revived version of gameshow Blankety Blank, which ran until 2002. He was made an MBE in the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to entertainment and attended the ceremony with his daughter Sharyn Mousley. O’Grady’s career as Savage took off with TV and radio appearances in character and he was eventually asked to take over from Paula Yates as The Big Breakfast presenter as Savage from 1995 to 1996. O’Grady won numerous accolades throughout his career including a TV Bafta, a British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award for The Paul O’Grady Show. He began his career performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s whilst working as a peripatetic care officer for Camden Council, going on to tour northern England as part of drag duo the Playgirls. In 2022, the Queen Consort joined him in a special one-off episode of For The Love Of Dogs to mark 160 years of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an organisation for which he was an ambassador. [O’Grady](https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/23018140.wirral-presenter-paul-ogrady-returns-annie-uk-tour/) was going to return to the airwaves next month to host a one-off Easter Sunday radio show on Boom Radio. [O’Grady](https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/national/23402766.paul-ogrady-return-airwaves-boom-radio-following-radio-2-departure/) as “a really special man” in an online tribute. O’Grady’s love for animals was clear to see and he had lived in a farmhouse in Kent with Portasio along with four dogs, goats, sheep, chickens and barn owls. During his TV career, he hosted The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs. He wrote his debut children’s book, Eddie Albert And The Amazing Animal Gang, during the coronavirus lockdown and it was published in September 2021. O’Grady took over the reins from Blind Date’s long-running presenter and his close friend Cilla Black, who died in 2015, as he hosted the Channel 5 reboot of the show in 2017.

The TV star died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' on Tuesday evening, a statement shared with the PA news agency via a representative said.

He took on chat show The Lily Savage Show for the BBC for a short run in 1997 and later that year had success as the host of a revived version of gameshow Blankety Blank, which ran until 2002. In a statement shared with the PA news agency the charity paid tribute to O’Grady as a “devoted animal lover” and a “champion for the underdog”. O’Grady’s career as Savage took off with TV and radio appearances in character and he was eventually asked to take over from Paula Yates as The Big Breakfast presenter as Savage from 1995 to 1996. Last year he was joined by the Queen Consort in a special one-off episode of For The Love Of Dogs to mark 160 years of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an organisation for which he was an ambassador. O’Grady took over the reins from Blind Date’s long-running presenter and his close friend Cilla Black, who died in 2015, as he hosted the Channel 5 reboot of the show in 2017. During his career, he hosted The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs.

The TV star, and comedian also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening. Mr Portasio said in his ...

He took on chat show The Lily Savage Show for the BBC for a short run in 1997 and later that year had success as the host of a revived version of gameshow Blankety Blank, which ran until 2002. His career as Savage took off with TV and radio appearances in character and he was eventually asked to take over from Paula Yates as The Big Breakfast presenter as Savage from 1995 to 1996. The star’s love of animal was well-known, and he had lived in a farmhouse in Kent with his husband along with a menagerie of animals including four dogs, goats, sheep, chickens and barn owls. Last year he was joined by the Queen Consort in a special one-off episode of For The Love Of Dogs to mark 160 years of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an organisation for which he was an ambassador. He took over the reins from Blind Date’s long-running presenter and his close friend Cilla Black, who died in 2015, as he hosted the Channel 5 reboot of the show in 2017. During his career, he hosted The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs.

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

During an interview during the first series in September 2012, he said it was “hand on heart… He will be dearly missed.” “He was a champion for the underdog and would do anything to ensure all animals live a healthy and happy life.

Host of Blind Date and Blankety Blank described as someone who stuck up for the underdog – particularly if they were canine.

The charity’s chief executive, Peter Laurie, said: “Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centres.” O’Grady’s affection for animals was so great, he once said that given the choice of more sex or money, he would choose a mongoose. He retired Savage to “a convent in Brittany” in 2004. I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.” [Carol Vorderman](https://www.theguardian.com/culture/vorderman) told the BBC that O’Grady was a “massive talent” who “made every part of you feel like you were alive”. He was discovered at a club in south London when he stood in for an act that called in sick, playing the drag persona Lily Savage, a loud-mouthed single mother and occasional sex worker.

The Queen Consort, who knew the 67-year-old through their charity work, is "deeply saddened" by his death.

“I was in quite a few police raids all over the country at the time. But for a long while it seemed Paul O’Grady’s Lily Savage was THE drag queen on screen. "It was fabulous! He was "a dreamboat... You went places nobody had gone before and we will miss you very much." Quote Message: Thank you for all the joy you brought into the world, Paul. His passing reminds people that life is short, to grab the bull by the horns," Hall says. He was so genuine.” Tatchell today praised his friend’s ability to change hearts and minds with his “wit and charm” at a time when “social homophobia was at its height” and the UK was in the grip of the “Aids panic” in the 1980s. Diane said: “He was such a comedian. He had that great sense of humour. “Not just in Liverpool, a lot of people around the world will miss him because he was a good man, he did a lot for charity and he had a great heart,” Mel adds.

Radio 2 legend Paul O'Grady sadly died unexpectedly aged 67, his partner confirmed in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Paul said: "I managed to escape Covid until last year and then I caught it. Speaking about the last time he saw his pal, Malcolm tweeted: "Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing, smiling, and full of life. "I know he touched so many hearts with his wicked sense of humour. he was one of those people who just made your blood feel like you were alive. He just felt like such a friend to everyone. It was pure homophobia, there'd been a partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967, but not a full decriminalisation in England, Wales until 2003. He said: "Especially when she was ill, Paul never forgot her, he continually came to the house… We have lost a unique talent - and I've lost a dear friend. You have made a vow, you have to stick to it. He was a kind and compassionate person and his charity work with HIV organisations and dog charities showed that. They fit together like a pan and lid.” Speaking to Gary Davies, he said: "i don't know what to say.

The TV star died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' on Tuesday evening, a statement shared with the PA news agency through a representative said.

and you idolised him as a gay man actually because trailblazer really doesn’t do him justice and then of course he broke in to the mainstream broadcasting landscape…”. In a statement shared with the PA news agency the charity paid tribute to O’Grady as a “devoted animal lover” and a “champion for the underdog”. We have lost a unique talent – and I’ve lost a dear friend. We were all lucky to have Paul in our lives. He recalled meeting O’Grady in character as Lily Savage in 1990, adding: “It’s impossible to overestimate what a trailblazer he was because Lily was of course a persona that became famous on the drag circuit in south London… And now he’s gone.

“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.” Chard & Ilminster News: Paul O'Grady has died aged 67 ...

With a red heart emoji, Vernon Kay tweeted: “Paul O’Grady was one of the nicest and kindest people I’ve ever met. Telly and friends have lost one of the best….RIP” Share your memories or pay tribute to the late TV presenter and comedian. Paul O’Grady was one of the nicest and kindest people I’ve ever met. Telly and friends have lost one of the best….RIP❤️— Vernon Kay (@vernonkay) [Lorraine Kelly](https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/23390040.itv-lorraine-show-sees-major-shake-lorraine-kelly-loses-voice/) tweeted: “Such sad news.

Paul O'Grady was “laughing, smiling and full of life” shortly before his death, his friend and radio producer Malcolm Prince said, as the Queen Consort ...

and you idolised him as a gay man actually because trailblazer really doesn’t do him justice and then of course he broke in to the mainstream broadcasting landscape…” In a statement shared with the PA news agency, the charity paid tribute to O’Grady as a “devoted animal lover” and a “champion for the underdog”. We have lost a unique talent – and I’ve lost a dear friend. He took on chat show The Lily Savage Show for the BBC for a short run in 1997 and later that year had success as the host of a revived version of gameshow Blankety Blank, which ran until 2002. Last year he was joined by Camilla in a special one-off episode of For The Love Of Dogs to mark 160 years of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an organisation for which he was an ambassador. We were all lucky to have Paul in our lives. And now he’s gone. He recalled meeting O’Grady in character as Lily Savage in 1990, adding: “It’s impossible to overestimate what a trailblazer he was because Lily was of course a persona that became famous on the drag circuit in south London… He and Prince, known to fans as #TeamPOG, appeared on Boom Radio for a Christmas special and were due to return to the station for a one-off show on Easter Sunday. My heart goes out to Andre, Paul’s family, and friends. He said that O’Grady, who had been touring playing Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie, had been “so proud” of the role and added: “He was looking forward to so many new projects. O’Grady has been hailed as a “trailblazer” for breaking into the mainstream broadcasting landscape with his alter ego and for his charity work around animals and Aids.

The comedian, actor and writer, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening, according to a ...

The star had had an inkling that he was unwell but tried to shrug it off. They could tell from the damage that I'd had it almost all week." We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. I knew something was seriously wrong and got someone to take me to hospital. There was no panic, no ambulances, but I knew something was wrong. At first, Paul was unaware that he had suffered an attack. I think I should really just be taken out and shot." "I go through days of feeling very tired. He had a second heart attack in 2006, this time more serious. I'm a bloody wreck." His mum later died of a separate attack. Sadly his father's proved to be fatal.

Fellow drag queens praised the character for helping to pave the way for thousands of artists.

at the time I had no idea who I was and what I wanted to be... "They've paved the way for legions of drag artists and I wouldn't be here without them." but she made me feel comfortable for the first time."

How Paul O'Grady went from a mould-breaking drag comedian to a much-loved prime-time TV host.

Drunken boyfriends would turn up in the middle of the night and think he was the mum's bit on the side. O'Grady had suffered a heart attack the previous year, which was followed by another in 2006. ITV scheduled The Paul O'Grady Show at teatimes in 2004, and it was poached by Channel 4 in 2006. The following night, he was back on stage, undeterred. I look back to Auntie Chris now - I see her on the bus and I sort of see where Lily was germinated." "The doctor said, 'If I could put on the death certificate, he's died of a broken heart, then I would'. "But I was a highly promiscuous teenager." "People might wonder how a gay man managed to father a daughter," he said. "She was the talk of Birkenhead," he said. But their world was shattered when O'Grady's mother suffered a heart attack when he was 17. "She was witty and had a great string of one-liners. "So it was just an extension of that."

Comedian, broadcaster and chat-show host who shot to widespread fame in the 1990s as his alter ego Lily Savage.

Last year he made a special one-off episode of For the Love of Dogs to mark 160 years of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, for which he was an ambassador. In 2011 he quit Paul O’Grady Live after becoming exasperated with his role as a chat- show host: “I felt part of the PR machine. But O’Grady killed off Savage in 2005, claiming Lily had “seen the light, taken the veil and packed herself off to a convent in France”. A two-part eulogy to the British working class, broadcast in 2013, it prompted press scepticism – not least because O’Grady told viewers he still considered himself working class despite being a millionaire who owned a generous plot of land in Kent. Tatchell said of O’Grady: “Paul wasn’t just a brilliant comedian and broadcast personality but a much admired campaigner for LGBT+ equality and animal rights … “I was born late – what my mother calls the last kick of a dying horse,” he said in his 2009 autobiography At My Mother’s Knee … “They made many arrests but we were a stoic lot and it was business as usual the next night.” In the 70s he worked for Camden council in north London as a peripatetic carer. “So we went out every night and were the talk of the island.” The story was typical of O’Grady, who loved to dramatise his indomitability and had an unquenchable desire to be in the public eye. His defiant unshakeability and desire to perform came together in his first stage persona, the foul-mouthed Lily Savage, who sported a platinum blond beehive wig, vast quantities of makeup, white stilettos, a leopardskin miniskirt and a matching fake-fur coat. “My nose was out to here and I had a black eye, but I said: ‘I’m not ruining my holiday,’” he recalled. She even returned in triumph to her native Merseyside, and became a regular on This Morning with Richard and Judy.

The much-loved presenter died aged 67 on Tuesday evening, his partner Andre Portasio said in a statement.

I say to them, ‘Heart attack or not, I’m hopeless on treadmills!”‘ He also spoke about his health at the time, having had two heart attacks, saying: “The worst thing you can do is to sit and fret. O’Grady’s love of animals was also apparent through his other work and in September 2016, he was recognised for his work with animals when he won the award for Outstanding Contribution to Animal Welfare at the RSPCA’s Animal Hero Awards. O’Grady became popular with a whole new audience as the host of The Paul O’Grady Show which aired in a teatime slot on ITV from 2004 to 2005, later moving it to Channel 4 as The New Paul O’Grady Show. Last year he was joined by the Queen Consort in a special one-off episode of For The Love Of Dogs to mark 160 years of the home. He was well known for his self-titled daytime chat show, The Paul O’Grady Show, which began airing in 2004, followed by the New Paul O’Grady Show.

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

[Ken Bruce](/topic/ken-bruce) told The Independent: “It was an honour to work alongside such an amazing talent, He lit up any room and had time for everyone.” Penny Smith added that O’Grady was “one of life’s joys. “He fought for them like a lion.” Sandi Toksvig said that “working with Paul O’Grady was one of the greatest pleasures of my life. He was set to present a show on Boom Radio over Easter weekend and had other projects in the pipeline. The ultimate outsider had become a pillar of the establishment. He was also hired to front a revival of The Generation Game and made two pilot episodes but, ever the perfectionist, wasn’t happy with the results and departed the project. Danny Beard, winner of Drag Race UK’s fourth series, has hailed O’Grady as “the most important person in British culture for drag and the queer community”. By 2004, now in middle age and tired of dressing as high-maintenance Lily, he retired her to “a convent in Brittany”. Campaigner Peter Tatchell described him as a “much admired campaigner for LGBT+ equality and animal rights”. Yet O’Grady still paved a way for a generation of TV talent: the likes of Graham Norton and Rylan Clark owe him a debt, as does RuPaul’s Drag Race and its myriad spin-offs. I’m hopin’ he’ll f*** off one of these days”) and a penchant for cheerfully insulting the crowd, Savage was a subversive blend of old-skool stand-up and alternative cabaret. She was a divorced ex-prostitute with two children and a fondness for booze and drugs. I first became aware of O’Grady – although I didn’t know that was his name back then – on the stand-up comedy circuit during the Nineties.

Mohammod Ullah said that Paul O'Grady paid for food for him and his dog and put them up in a hotel for three nights. Picture: Instagram-Paul O'Grady/ ...

I would thank his husband and family as I can't thank him. Speaking to Heart about the day he met Paul for the first time, Mohammad told us: "I recognised him straight away. He spent three hours together with me and then put me in a hotel for the night. He walked up to me in the middle of the high street and sat down next to me. "When Paul had put us in the hotel for three nights, that gave me the chance to link in with Help Homeless Believe – a homeless charity run by Hayley Jennings and her volunteers – and fill out a homeless application from the council", he explained. He introduced himself and said 'Come, let's go and get a meal inside that tummy of yours'.

A boundary-busting standup, a radio sensation, a knockout on TV, a champion for LGBTQ rights, and a pet-lover extraordinaire … stars and writers pay tribute ...

He was backstage at the Tavern in 1987, preparing for his performance and adjusting his wig, when suddenly the police burst into his dressing room. O’Grady developed the act (“a creature,” he said, “that was more cartoon than human”) in the gay clubs of London’s Camden Town – specifically, the Black Cap. Recently, when we were working on a campaign to get an apology from the police for their past persecution of the LGBTQ+ community, he told me a story that stuck in my mind. So, in his final months, he was preparing to stand up, accuse them of homophobia and demand they finally take responsibility and apologise. And what he landed on often, was fury – at the “criminals” in government. The fact that a lot of people who wrote in seemed to be of advanced years – the requests were often to thank helpful younger family members or carers – said a great deal about the breadth of his appeal. He wrinkled his nose and said: “I’m just the burnt-out wreck of a once glorious disco.” He worried about them when they were poorly and shared the joy when we found them loving homes. I got the feeling that, with his programmes about animals, he had to really push to make them happen. These tales echoed back to the war, with secrets and debts and back-alley shags in the Liverpool of the Blitz. He could just talk about whatever was in his head and get laughs. He stared at me like the scan of a 3D printer.

Fellow drag queens praised the character for helping to pave the way for thousands of artists.

"They've paved the way for legions of drag artists and I wouldn't be here without them." at the time I had no idea who I was and what I wanted to be... "Drag isn't scary and it's been around for a long time and we ain't going anywhere, baby!," they said, adding: "He's an icon and he's an inspiration to so many queer people that want to make it in the entertainment industry." "For Paul to make it mainstream on television just after the Aids crisis and working through it as an entertainer really was a testament to who he was as a person," they said. but she made me feel comfortable for the first time." Describing O'Grady as a "trailblazer", they told BBC News: "He took drag to the mainstream and really set the way for people like me to be able to do our jobs."

The comedian, actor and writer, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening, ...

No heavenly choirs, no light at the end of the tunnel." He continued: "Everyone asks: 'Did you see anything?' No, sorry. I don't fear anything nowadays. [Predicting that he wouldn't see 60](https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/paul-ogrady-tragically-predicted-death-29576287), he once told The Mirror: "I do count my blessings. [Paul O'Grady](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/paul-ogrady) once opened up about how he wanted to die and revealed he wanted to "make a quick exit". ["surrounded by his beloved dogs "](https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/paul-ogradys-final-hours-surrounded-29578409) just hours before he died.

Before his untimely death, Paul O'Grady is said to have endured an exhausting seven months in which he took on as much work as possible after he felt forced ...

But he was more than happy not to put his feet up and knew it was his decision entirely.” “Losing his Radio 2 show had proved a huge shock for Paul as he loved it dearly. He didn’t want that to change. [ITV](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/itv) show For the Love of Dogs and was finishing up a secret documentary on elephants in Laos, meaning that he was kept incredibly busy in terms of work up until his tragic death. [Dogs](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/teamdogs), and Blankety Blank, which he hosted as his drag act, Lily Savage. [died ‘unexpectedly and peacefully’ on Tuesday night](https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/breaking-paul-ogrady-radio-2-29575405) at the age of 67.

O'Grady was preparing to go on stage in 1987 when a police officer burst into his dressing room.

When the officer asked for a "real" name, he replied: "Lily Veronica Mae Savage." According to one version of events, when the desk sergeant for a name, he gave it as "Lily Savage". this was an ugly, dangerous and very unpleasant time for LGBT+ people." So it seemed to be the fashion at the time," he said. Eleven people were arrested and two customers were injured. It wasn't illegal, and the suggestion it made people more vulnerable to Aids had already been debunked. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’. God knows to this day why they raided it." We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. Around that time, newspapers were warning about the use of amyl nitrate, also known as poppers. Tables and chairs were going over. But one pre-fame story shows his role in fighting for LGBT rights.

The TV star, who has died at the age of 67, came from the most humble of beginnings before shooting to fame with his comic creation Lily Savage.

By 1997, she was hosting Blankety Blank and after 2002, she hung up the wig, and let Paul - and his dog Buster - steal the show, beginning two long stints with The Paul O’Grady Show, numerous documentaries and, his beloved passion project, Paul O’Grady’s For The Love of While working as a part-time barman at Vauxhall’s Elephant and Castle pub, Paul joked he would make a better drag night compere than the current stand-in they had. So I’d be going around with a black eye and nits from the kids and scabies.” It was their wig he first tried on, and them who introduced him to the then thriving scene. (They only divorced in 2005, after Paul “forgot” he was married until his manager reminded him.) “We must enjoy life while it lasts.” “If a single mother had to go to hospital, I’d move in and look after her kids so they didn’t have to go into care,” he once said. Born on June 14 1955, he was the the youngest of three, brought up in a rented three-bed home in the working class community of Tranmere. In 1984, Lily got fed up of playing second fiddle to Paul. His father worked a number of jobs and their home had no central heating, was damp and has just two electric plug sockets. My mother didn’t even realise she was pregnant until she went to the doctor compaining of indigestion.” First his mum had had a heart attack, then so did his dad.

Those who knew Paul O'Grady pay tribute to the star, who died at the age of 67 after an illustrious career as Lily Savage and the host of numerous game and ...

From watching him as Lily Savage at the Vauxhall Tavern to sitting with him laughing backstage at West End Bares to being a guest on his @itv Paul O'Grady show..." Gavin & Stacey star Rob Brydon said O'Grady was "a lovely, warm and caring man with a lightning fast and devastating wit". Actor John Barrowman tweeted: "I am totally shocked and sad to hear the awful news that Paul O'Grady has died. What a loss!" The world seems a little less bright." He was like a whirlwind, force of nature." A funny man, with incredibly quick wit, who made millions laugh." She told Sky News: "He was the most wonderful man. "I popped round to Paul's for a good old catch-up. We have lost a unique talent - and I've lost a dear friend. We were all lucky to have Paul in our lives." Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing smiling and full of life.

The TV star was hailed as 'one of the greatest drag artists the UK has ever seen' at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern on Wednesday night.

In the village of Adlington where he lived, personal messages were left outside his home, one of which read: “Farewell Paul… He added: “It was around raising up the community, and when you move from a stage like this into the mainstream, when you move into breakfast f****** television… Paul O’Grady was an absolute legend of the community.” “He was just very human … I can take him some time if he wants to go?” “Obviously a moment of silence is polite…

LONDON — (AP) — Entertainer Paul O'Grady, who achieved fame as drag queen Lily Savage before becoming a much-loved comedian and host on British television, ...

“Paul was one of the loveliest people you could ever meet,” Tatchell said. Camilla, the queen consort, was a guest on the show last year. O’Grady used his platform to speak out about LGBT rights at the height of the AIDS crisis, a time when the Conservative government of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was passing anti-gay laws.

The TV star was hailed as 'one of the greatest drag artists the UK has ever seen' at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern on Wednesday night.

In the village of Adlington where he lived, personal messages were left outside his home, one of which read: “Farewell Paul… I can take him some time if he wants to go?” “He was just very human … He added: “It was around raising up the community, and when you move from a stage like this into the mainstream, when you move into breakfast f****** television… “Obviously a moment of silence is polite… Paul O’Grady was an absolute legend of the community.”

Singer Susan Boyle has released a touching tribute following the heartbreaking passing of her "loyal" friend Paul O'Grady. The TV presenter died at the age ...

The singer's heartfelt tribute comes after Paul's sudden death sent shockwaves through the showbiz world following his stellar career in the industry. When I saw you last week in Edinburgh, never would I have thought that this was goodbye. The statement reads: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening. Singer Susan Boyle has released a touching tribute following the heartbreaking passing of her "loyal" friend Paul O'Grady. He was also renowned for his much-loved portrayal of his drag queen alter ego, Lily Savage. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.

The TV star was hailed as 'one of the greatest drag artists the UK has ever seen' at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern on Wednesday night.

In the village of Adlington where he lived, personal messages were left outside his home, one of which read: “Farewell Paul… I can take him some time if he wants to go?” “He was just very human … He added: “It was around raising up the community, and when you move from a stage like this into the mainstream, when you move into breakfast f****** television… “Obviously a moment of silence is polite… Paul O’Grady was an absolute legend of the community.”

BBC Radio 2 has received backlash after paying tribute to Paul O' Grady, with accusations the channel 'messed' the star around and contributing to him ...

We wish Paul the very best of luck and hope to work with him again in the future." Paul O’Grady was a true star and his passing is as big a shock to me as the loss of Wogan . He went on: "And the reason I'm leaving because everybody's asked me this. 5.00-7.00 on Sundays will never be the same." A third penned: "And you treated him shabbily!!! May he rest in peace ." One wrote: "Struggle with this tribute as he should never have been forced out of radio 2 in the way he was . "Paul was a brilliant broadcaster and incredible comedian. RIP Paul." One listener responded: "Crocodile tears from a station who treated him abominably. His Sunday night audience loved him, so what did you do, in the name of "progress"? [fire](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/fire) from Paul's fans after posting a black and white photo of the Blankety Blank host, and writing on [Paul O'Grady](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/paul-ogrady).

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

I said to them, ‘Have I died?’” I had to sit down by the yoghurt, thinking: ‘I’ll be OK in a minute.’ He nearly had a heart attack himself.” So my sister’s in hospital at the moment with fluid on her heart and lungs. “I do count my blessings,” he said, according to We were cursed in our family, with hearts.” all our family has died of heart disease. It’s not usually life threatening, but it’s a warning sign that you could be at risk of a heart attack or stroke. He told the publication he had been put on blood thinners after the heart attacks, saying: “When I was in hospital in intensive care, they wheeled in the telly and I was on the news. I don’t fear anything nowadays. [The Mirror.](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/paul-ogrady-hospital-after-angina-2805966) “I have had two heart attacks, and if I get to 60 that will be amazing. [has died at the age of 67](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/paul-o-grady-death-cause-67-b2309853.html) – but he once said it would be “amazing” if he made it to 60.

Paul O'Grady had an amazingly blunt response when he was asked how he wanted to be remembered before his death aged 67.

He added: "I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years." [How Paul O'Grady selflessly changed the life of a homeless man and his dog](/showbiz/celebrities/paul-ogrady-helped-homeless-man-dog-mohammod-ullah/) [Inside Paul O’Grady’s family life with husband, daughter and two grandchildren](/showbiz/paul-ogrady-family-husband-daughter-sharyn-grandchildren/) [Paul O'Grady dies 'unexpectedly but peacefully' aged 67](/showbiz/celebrities/paul-ogrady-dead-statement/) Paul O'Grady had an amazingly blunt response when he was asked how he wanted to be remembered before his death aged 67.

The late Paul O'Grady sent a heartwarming tribute to the family of a mum-of-ten who he called the "one and only Lily Savage". Today, tributes were paid to ...

"We went to Blackpool to see his show and then he took us backstage and we had drinks. "It was just hilarious and they were best friends by the end of the day. She said he introduced himself as one of Lily's "long lost sons" and was "absolutely fabulous" to her nan. "He sent flowers for her birthday and when she died we let him know. "We told him about that so he kept referring to her as 'frying pan Lil' because she had ten children and was always cooking." Most recently, Paul O'Grady has been travelling up and down the country to play Lynn said: "We just knew what a wonderful person he was, you can tell that by everything he did on TV. First of all the team came and brought this Lily mobile along which was full of tack and we were trying on these high heeled shoes and everything else. He got his wig on, but he was in his jeans and t-shirt so we were laughing and having some fun with him. It was the same sort of humour because we were from the same sort of area." [But back in 1994,](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/nostalgia) Paul O'Grady, from Birkenhead, met the "real" Lily Savage - a great-grandmother living in Port Sunlight. It was a fabulous day, we laughed from start to finish.

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

[Paul O’Grady](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/paul-ogrady?CMP=ILC-refresh), who [died on Tuesday evening (28 March)](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/paul-o-grady-death-cause-67-b2309853.html), aged 67. “Appearing on The Paul O’Grady Show was always fun. In his tribute, It’s a Sin creator Russell T Davies named O’Grady as being ‘ferocious in the fight against Aids’. His positions might not be exactly my positions, although ripping into the Tories like he did – absolutely. [Eddie Izzard honours Paul O’Grady for his ‘positive mark’ on the country’s history](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/paul-ogrady-death-eddie-izzard-tribute-b2310509.html) He was a lovely, decent guy who cared about people. But he did things his way and with aplomb. [‘Minute of applause’ observed for Paul O’Grady at famous London drag show venue](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/london-paul-o-grady-vauxhall-eddie-izzard-england-b2310599.html) [Paul O’Grady remembered as ‘ferocious in the fight against Aids’](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/paul-ogrady-aids-hiv-elton-john-b2310260.html) [TV presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady has died aged 67.](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/paul-o-grady-dies-cause-death-age-tributes-b2309927.html) [ instead of Paul O’Grady.](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/paul-ogrady-dominic-raab-paul-grayson-b2310206.html) [known for his drag persona Lily Savage,](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/paul-ogrady-lily-savage-police-raid-b2309959.html) won numerous accolades including a TV Bafta, a British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award for The Paul O’Grady Show.

The TV star, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening, a statement shared with the PA news ...

"Paul was a trailblazer, they were on telly just after the Aids crisis. Vernon Kay said Paul O'Grady was "always a joy to be around" and described the presenter as "one of the best" in an online tribute. Danny Beard, winner of the fourth series of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK, said Paul O'Grady was "the most important person in British culture for drag". "Paul O'Grady was one of the nicest and kindest people I've ever met," he tweeted. Telly and friends have lost one of the best....RIP." Losing his Radio 2 show had proved a huge shock for Paul as he loved it dearly.

EXCLUSIVE: Paul O'Grady wed pal Theresa Fernandes in 1976 when her work permit was due to expire - and she faced having to leave London return home to ...

She was uber-cool and laid back and was a big hit with the women customers, who all fancied her David Cassidy good looks. I was a married man.' Paul wrote: 'Reluctantly I stopped what I was doing and slammed a large rum into a glass from the optic. I play her for laughs, because she's either drunk or hungover. We were filming in Malta and I only got one day's filming done. I can't.' But I'm back in business.' Because you can play her pure evil, but I don't. 'I think my last disaster was when I caught Covid last year. He joked: 'Don't take the elderly for granted. I'm no chicken. I'm OK. I'm absolutely fine, touch wood.

Before Paul O'Grady became a prime-time TV presenter, he was best known for his comic alter ego Lily Savage - who rose to fame on the nightclub circuit in ...

"It was around raising up the community, and when you move from a stage like this into the mainstream, when you move into breakfast f****** television... I can take him some time if he wants to go?" Paul O'Grady was an absolute legend of the community." "Obviously a moment of silence is polite... "He would fall in love with that dog and the dog would fall in love with him too and you can't pretend, that was so authentic, that really was Paul - a true animal lover in every bone in his body." but I don't think a moment of silence is right. "He could walk into a kennel with a dog he had never met before, sit on the floor and play with that dog and bond with that dog within minutes. I think this is a moment to applaud, a moment to love, a moment to cheer," he said. "Eight years of doing solo shows... Telling the audience that "a trailblazer and a legend has left us", he then led the crowd in a round of applause. Instead of the typical minute's silence, there was a minute of raucous applause from the audience at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT) in south London on Wednesday evening - a moment to cheer in memory of the "trailblazer and legend". [O'Grady](https://news.sky.com/topic/paul-ogrady-10651) died " [unexpectedly but peacefully" at the age of 67](https://news.sky.com/story/paul-ogrady-tv-star-and-comedian-dies-unexpectedly-12844598) on Tuesday evening.

O'Grady's camp creation built on the legacy of drag artists that came before him and helped change the visibility of LGBTQ+ people in the UK.

In the US, criticism of drag has escalated even further, with a [recent law](https://news.sky.com/story/tennessee-becomes-first-us-state-to-ban-public-drag-performances-12824159) passed in Tennessee that bans drag and female impersonation in public. I was asked to go on stage for an interactive segment of the show, and Lily was just as charismatic and captivating in person as she was from the back of the theatre. RIP “Lily of the Scally”. They argue that the “sexualisation and inappropriateness” of drag represent a threat to children. This led to users on internet forum Mumsnet, [gender-critical feminists](https://www.theweek.co.uk/news/society/953619/what-are-gender-critical-beliefs) (women who believe that sex is biological and immutable and cannot be conflated with gender identity) and anti-drag critics [calling for them to be cancelled](https://www.thepinknews.com/2020/06/23/drag-queen-story-hour-uk-aida-h-dee-sab-samuel-leeds-city-council-sarah-field-mumsnet/?fbclid=IwAR1kts2g7Z30tlIC1waptxwEX0C0bD5_ccjDTXeUvLkRiL6fJmW5z0ipen8). Drag is not only a unique display of artistry and a political standpoint; one of its primary functions has always been that of entertainment. However, it is important to acknowledge the cultural history of drag and those artists, such as O’Grady, who paved the way for a wider social acceptance. After this successful run, O’Grady began to step back from Lily and appear more as himself, with a number of popular programmes such as The Paul O’Grady Show and For the Love of Dogs. [Camilla the Queen Consort](https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1640997462176419840?cxt=HHwWgMC-peuf_8UtAAAA), who stated that O'Grady’s “warm heart and infectious humour lit up the lives of so many”. [term “drag” dates back to Shakespeare](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zbkmkmn#:%7E:text=Shakespeare's%20As%20You%20Like%20It,would%20drag%20along%20the%20floor.) with men playing women’s roles. [Lily Savage](https://www.oocities.org/lilysavage_uk/biography.html) in the early 1980s, where he became popular with queer locals. [Danny La Rue](https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2009/jun/01/danny-la-rue-obituary), [Dame Edna Everage](https://twitter.com/dameednaeverage?lang=en-GB) and Lily Savage, who would often be seen on mainstream television programmes.

ITV has confirmed they will air Paul O'Grady's new series of For The Love of Dogs next month, following his sad death.

[Listen on Global Player: Spencer & Vogue. And following the sad news, ITV has confirmed that his new series Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs will air as originally scheduled. ITV has confirmed they will air Paul O'Grady's new series of For The Love of Dogs next month, following his sad death.

Fans of the late comedian have been posting pictures of their pets online as a mark of respect to him.

Thank you, #paulogrady for all you did for #adoptdontshop. “He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion. Four dogs, goats, sheep, chickens, barn owls, and other animals lived with him and Portasio in their farmhouse in Kent. We will miss you very much #PawsForPaul.” Mr Portasio said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening. [O’Grady passed away ](https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/paul-o-grady-died-own-bed-aged-67-husband-andre-portasio-linda-thorson-tribute-gmb-b1071014.html)"unexpectedly but calmly," according to his husband Andre Portasio.

Suzy Eddie Izzard has paid tribute to Paul O'Grady, describing him as a “funny” and “acerbic” comedian in an article.

“You went places nobody had gone before and we will miss you very much.” But he did things his way and with aplomb.” It would have been nice if he could have stuck around for longer.” “People should always keep growing and challenging themselves,” Izzard added. “That was it, above all else: he was relaxed in his skin, while also being funny and acerbic. Izzard described her appearances on The Paul O’Grady Show as “always fun”, adding: “He was a lovely, decent guy who cared about people.

Amanda Holden has been criticised following her tribute to Paul O'Grady, who died aged 67 earlier this week.

I've been thinking about that bizarre, clueless Amanda Holden comment about Paul O'Grady not having "a woke bone in his body". [March 29, 2023] He knew what free speech was, and used it,” another added. The word originates from African American culture as a term to refer to someone who is aware of racial prejudices. “Do you know what I loved about him? “I have to say I’m completely shocked,” Holden said.

As the nation mourns TV legend Paul O'Grady's passing, many alumni and staff have recalled the day he was made an Honorary Doctor of Arts at De Montfort ...

He has also sponsored youngsters to help develop a career in dance. “My God”, he says, “I have to use a pair of tongs to turn the pages. Of the hundreds of guests he has interviewed on his shows, it is the Hollywood icons that have always impressed. Lily, he says, went on to rule the Tavern with a rod of iron. She was having her roots done and was in her flip flops. They have nothing to prove and they are great raconteurs.” Robert Wagner and Lauren Bacall were particular favourites. This honour is conferred upon persons of intellectual, cultural and professional distinction, and for whom the award would be a proper form of recognition by the University. The things people are prepared to do for a few column inches!” But in 2000 Paul had grown increasingly tired of dressing up. “It didn’t make me stronger. I could have killed them for saying it, I can tell you. and Other Low Joints’.

Amanda Holden has faced backlash from Paul O'Grady fans following her 'offensive' radio tribute. The Britain's Got Talent judge said that the late ...

One angry listener wrote: "When paying tribute to Paul O’Grady on during her Heart breakfast show, Amanda Holden said that he “didn’t have a woke bone in his body”, and I can’t work out whether she doesn’t know what woke means, or simply doesn’t know who Paul O’Grady is." What about that isn't woke?" You are not allowed to have an opinion." She commented on the show: "Do you know what I loved about him? The Collins Dictionary describes 'woke' as someone who is "very aware of social and political unfairness". It doesn't get much more woke." "What an awful tribute. Discussing his death, she said to her co-host Jamie Theakston, 52, that she was "completely shocked". Ask Amanda what woke means," a third penned. Does Amanda Holden have any clue what the word 'woke' means. Paul's husband Andre broke the news on Wednesday that the beloved entertainer had passed away peacefully at the age of 67. She went on to share her thoughts about Paul.

The legendary Queen guitarist has shared his sadness at the loss of TV and radio star, who died this week, aged 67.

He was as caring to all animals as he was to his human friends. [Queen](/artists/queen/) guitarist has since added to the tributes, sharing a photo of the star on Instagram, which was added: "RIP Paul O’Grady. A man who used his gift for being entertaining to support good causes, promote justice, and fight hypocrisy.