Who is Lily Savage? How Paul O’Grady rose to fame on Blankety Blank and his alter ego’s best quotes

TV presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady has died at the age of 67.

His partner, Andre Portasio, announced the death of the TV star, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, saying he died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening.

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.”

“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 first rose to prominence as his drag queen persona Lily Savage in the 1980s and 90s before going on to host a string of television programmes.

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.

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

Paul James Michael O’Grady was born in Birkenhead, on Merseyside, in 1955. Both of his parents died young from heart problems – his mother, whose maiden name was Savage, died when he was 33.

It’s believed that his mother’s name, “Savage”, inspired his famous drag alter ego Lily Savage, who helped propel him to mainstream success.

O’Grady began his career by performing as Lily Savage in the 70s whilst working as a peripatetic care officer for Camden Council in north London.

He went on to tour northern England as part of drag duo the Playgirls, before settling into a solo show as Lily Savage that ran for eight years at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern.

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 1995-96.

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 has also authored several books, including an autobiographical series detailing his childhood, the creation of Savage, and his years in the spotlight.

The series is divided into four titles: At My Mother’s Knee…And Other Low Joints, The Devil Rides Out, Still Standing: The Savage Years, and Open The Cage, Murphy.

Lily Savage’s best quotes

Whether appearing as Paul O’Grady or Lily Savage, the comedian was never short of a witty quip. Here are some of the best Lily Savage quotes:

Additional reporting from PA