Paul O’Grady was reportedly “full of life” on his final day before his death on Tuesday.
His friend and colleague Malcolm Prince revealed that the TV legend was “laughing and smiling the day before it was announced that he had sadly passed”.
“Yesterday afternoon, I popped round to Paul’s for a good old catch-up,” he said. “Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing, smiling, and full of life.
READ MORE: Paul O’Grady’s life explored – secret husband, model ex-wife and brush with death
“He was so proud of ‘Annie’, so happy to be back on Boom Radio, and he was looking forward to so many new projects. And now he’s gone. I can’t believe it.
(Image: paulogrady/Instagram)
“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,” Malcolm concluded.
It was announced that Paul had passed away on March 28 in a statement released by his husband Andre Portasio, who he married in 2017.
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Paul rose to fame in the 1990s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage and went on to host well-loved shows like Blankety Blank and For The Love of Dogs on ITV, in which he worked closely with Battersea Cats and Dogs Home.
The animal charity praised Paul for being a “devoted animal lover” and a “champion for the underdog”.
“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,” said the Chief Executive Peter Laurie in a statement.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
