for his love of dogs
Paul O’Grady was ‘full of life and surrounded by his dogs’ days before death at 67 says radio colleague
PAUL O'Grady was "surrounded by his beloved dogs" and "full of life" just days before his sad passing.
Much-loved radio and TV presenter Paul - famous for his character Lily Savage - died at the aged of 67 in news confirmed by his husband.
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A host of celebrities have paid tribute to the dog-lover, who was an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Paul's pal Malcolm Prince, who produced the star's show on Boom Radio, said he visited the star at his home just weeks ago.
He told the : "Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing, smiling, and full of life.
"He was so proud of 'Annie', so happy to be back on Boom Radio, and he was looking forward to so many new projects."
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He added: "And now he's gone. I can't believe it. We have lost a unique talent - and I've lost a dear friend. We were all lucky to have Paul in our lives.
"My heart goes out to Andre, Paul's family, and friend. Oh how I'll miss him."
Just last year, Paul was seen cuddling George the West Highland White Terrier at Battersea's Brands Hatch site.
He was on a visit to the venue alongside Her Majesty Camilla Queen Consort, who appeared delighted at their trip.
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Paul's husband of 11 years Andre Portasio announced his death in the early hours of this morning, saying: "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."
Paul's cause of death is yet to be confirmed, but he had struggled with his health in recent years.
The Brit personality made a name for himself in comedy, and television - and later became known for his love of dogs.
In 2020, at the age of 65, Paul opened up about having three heart attacks, kidney failure and a coronavirus scare behind him.
At the time he told The Sun: “My cardiologist says I have the constitution of an ox.
"Three days after my last heart attack, I was back fire-eating with McFly.
“The heart is a muscle so you have two choices: Sit on the sofa and count your tablets all day, or get on with it and get moving — swimming and walking, gentle exercise.”
Paul suffered heart attacks in 2002, 2006 and 2014, and his parents both died of heart issues.
In 2017, he was hospitalised in India with kidney trouble while filming his animal show. Doctors rescued him with antibiotic and saline treatments.
Born on June 14, 1955 in Birkenhead, before he hit the big time, Paul performed as Lily Savage in the 80s.
He started off working the drag circuit with his act across pubs and clubs, and as he grew popular he eventually toured the country.
From 1989 to 1992, Paul performed annually as Lily at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, gaining increasing recognition for his act.
Paul followed this with a show titled Lily Savage Live from the Hackney Empire, which proved to be a sell-out.
He went on to host Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast for a year in the mid-Nineties, as alter ego Lily.
He then fronted BBC game show Blankety Blank from 1998 to 2002, as Lily, and in 2004 landed his own teatime chat slot, The Paul O’Grady Show, on Channel 4.
In 2008, he got an MBE and in 2010 the National Television Awards Special Recognition gong.
Paul 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.
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The comedian was married to former-professional ballerina Andre Portasio in 2017 after the pair began dating in 2006.
At the time a close friend told The Sun: “Paul is as happy as he’s ever been to be married to Andre."
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