Wirral-born presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady has died at the age of 67.
His husband Andre Portasio said in a statement this morning: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening. 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 rose to TV fame in the 1990s, with his drag queen persona Lily Savage hosting shows including Blankety Blank and The Big Breakfast. Lily was an act he had debuted in 1978, enjoying success on the cabaret circuit throughout the eighties before achieving TV fame.
As a new century dawned, he grew tired of appearing in drag and embarked on a career appearing as himself, debuting with ITV’s 2000 travelogue series Paul O’Grady’s Orient and also hosting chat shows. His later career was probably most famously marked by his love of dogs, however, with his star very much back in the ascendant following the 2012 launch of Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs on ITV.
More recently, O’Grady was selected to host Channel 5’s reboot of popular eighties dating show Blind Date, and was a radio regular, hosting Radio 2’s Paul O’Grady on the Wireless for over a decade, from 2009-2022, among other shows.
Tributes have poured in for the popular comic, including from Good Morning Britain and Lingo host Adil Ray, who described O’Grady as an “extraordinary talent:
Paul O’Grady was an extraordinary talent. His humour, warmth and kindness shone through in everything he did. Nobody like him. Absolutely no one. The presenter we looked up to. Thoughts with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/Qbk9ut76ZJ
— Adil Ray OBE (@adilray) March 29, 2023
Former C4 colleague, IWC Media creative director Mark Downie, recalled how O’Grady would insist new roles on his show were advertised in the local Job Centre:
When we worked together at Ch4, Paul O’Grady insisted that new roles on his show were advertised in the local Job Centre. He wanted anyone and everyone to be able to apply so they could get a break like he had. And it made the show better. A kind and generous man. pic.twitter.com/aQbs2ZUkww — Mark Downie (@markmdownie) March 29, 2023
Battersea Dog’s Home, of which O’Grady was an ambassador, mourned the passing of a “wonderful, kind friend”:
We’re deeply saddened to learn that our wonderful, kind friend and beloved Ambassador Paul O’Grady MBE has passed away. He will be so dearly missed by all of us at Battersea. Our love and thoughts go out to all of Paul’s family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/hjfwBcu7sz
— Battersea (@Battersea_) March 29, 2023
Politicans joined in too, with Liverpool West MP Ian Byrne describing O’Grady as “unique”:
Such sad news.
Rest in Power the unique and wonderful Paul O’Grady pic.twitter.com/vpN54a0VBV— lan Byrne MP (@IanByrneMP) March 29, 2023
While Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram described him as “one of life’s good guys”
Paul O’Grady was one of life’s good guys. From well publicised charity work and campaigning on animal rights to the flame of social justice that burned strongly inside him. He never forgot his roots in our region – and our region will never forget him. He will be missed. RIP. https://t.co/zSoGlBhzke — Steve Rotheram (@MetroMayorSteve) March 29, 2023
Even the Royal Family took time out to pay tribute:
Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul O’Grady, who worked closely with Her Majesty in support of @Battersea_, providing lots of laughter and many waggy-tailed memories. pic.twitter.com/N13aBuBYCm
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 29, 2023
BBC Radio Merseyside will be broadcasting its final interview with the star, from last November, on the Afternoon Show at 3pm today in tribute:
Our last presenter to interview Paul O’Grady was @helenjonesradio. She spoke to him last November about his role as Miss Hannigan which he was due to play at @LiverpoolEmpire this year. You can hear the interview on the Afternoon Show today just after 3pm https://t.co/GeoS6SFNTN pic.twitter.com/4MXnqfJgE9
— BBC Radio Merseyside (@bbcmerseyside) March 29, 2023
