Paul O’Grady’s husband speaks of how he died at 67 as tributes pour in for star
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Tributes have been pouring in for former Blankety Blank star Paul O’Grady who died on Tuesday (March 28) evening. The comedian and former Lily Savage performer was well-known for his TV and radio work.
Britain was in shock after his partner Andre Portasio issued a statement about his death. He said: “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 he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
READ MORE: Stars pay tribute to Paul O’Grady after he dies ‘unexpectedly’ at 67
How did Paul O’Grady die?
Little is yet known about how Paul O’Grady died except that his passing was “unexpected but peaceful” according to his partner.
Merseyside-born O’Grady was best known as the presenter of shows including the Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date, Blankety Blank and For The Love Of Dogs, as well as Paul O’Grady’s Saturday Night Line Up.
He took over from Blind Date’s long-running presenter and his close friend Cilla Black, who died in 2015, as he hosted the reboot of the show in 2017.
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.
Tributes have already started pouring in. ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly described O’Grady as “a really special man” and said: “Such sad news. Paul O’Grady – funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise.
“Will be sorely missed. A really special man.”
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said: “Paul wasn’t just a brilliant comedian and broadcast personality but a much admired campaigner for LGBT+ equality and animal rights. He supported my work for many decades and was a valued patron of the Peter Tatchell Foundation.
“Paul was planning to lead our forthcoming campaign for the police to apologise for their historic persecution of the LGBT+ community. We will miss him. Our sincere condolences to his partner Andre and to all who loved him.
“Paul was one of the loveliest people you could ever meet. Everyone whose lives he touched will miss him greatly, as will those who enjoyed his wit and admired his compassion.”