Paul O’Grady death – latest news: Camilla, Elton John and Joe Lycett pay tribute after presenter dies aged 67

TV presenter known for his drag persona Lily Savage died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’, his partner Andre Portasio said

Paul O’Grady: TV star and comedian dies at the age of 67

Fans, friends and colleagues are continuing to pay tribute to Paul O’Grady, who died on Tuesday evening (28 March), aged 67.

Queen Camilla, Elton John, Lorraine Kelly, Piers Morgan, Joe Lycett and others from the TV industry have paid tribute, as well as MPs at PMQs on Wednesday afternoon (29 March).

Dominic Raab was mocked after incorrectly paying tribute to the “incredible comic Paul Grayson”, instead of Paul O’Grady.

“Paul Grayson was an incredible comic, but he also...” Raab said during PMQs on Wednesday 29 March, before eventually correcting himself.

In 2013, O’Grady made a poignant comment on death and living past the age of 60.

Throughout his career, the TV host, known for his drag persona Lily Savage, won numerous accolades including a TV Bafta, a British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award for The Paul O’Grady Show.

He was also known for his love for animals. He lived in a farmhouse in Kent with his husband Andre Portasio along with a menagerie of animals including four dogs, goats, sheep, chickens and barn owls.

Key Points

• Paul O’Grady: The ultimate outsider who became a national treasure
• Dominic Raab mourns ‘Paul Grayson’ in PMQs blunder
• Paul O’Grady’s poignant words on death and counting his blessings
• Queen Camilla ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of comedian’s death
• Battersea Dogs and Cats Home hails Paul O’Grady as ‘champion for the underdog’

[29 March 2023 14:45 · Roisin O'Connor]

Queen ‘deeply saddened’ by death of fellow dog-lover Paul O’Grady

Camilla has shared her sadness at the news that TV presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady has died aged 67.

The Queen Consort shared a special bond with the late star, and worked closely with him in their support of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

She will be sharing her sympathies with Paul’s family privately in due course, the Palace said in a statement.

Full story:

[29 March 2023 13:30 · Nicole Vassell]

ITV announces schedule change to honour Paul O’Grady

In light of Paul O’Grady’s unexpected death, ITV has announced a change to ITV1’s schedule for Wednesday.

At 5pm, ITV1 will broadcast a repeat episode of Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs: A Royal Special instead of The Chase.

Later, at 8pm, the channel will air a tribute special called For the Love of Paul O’Grady.

Finally, the new series of Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs will air at 8.30pm as planned.

Paul O’Grady (Multistory Media / Battersea Cats and Dogs Home)

[29 March 2023 13:45 · Nicole Vassell]

Kim Cattrall shares video with Paul O’Grady

Another celebrity figure paying tribute to Paul O’Grady today is Kim Cattrall.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, the Liverpool-born Canadian actor posted a video of her appearing on O’Grady’s talk show, in which they happily embrace.

“Our hearts are broken,” reads Cattrall’s caption for the post.

[29 March 2023 14:00 · Nicole Vassell]

Dominic Raab misnames Paul O’Grady as ‘Paul Grayson’ in Commons speech

Dominic Raab drew groans in the House of Commons this afternoon when he paid tribute to “Paul Grayson” instead of Paul O’Grady.

Following on from a tribute from Labour MP Chris Bryant, Raab said: “I totally agree with him, Paul Grayson was an incredible comic but he also…”

After hearing the grumbles from his fellow MPs, Raab grinned and corrected his mistake.

[29 March 2023 14:22 · Roisin O'Connor]

Paul O’Grady’s poignant words on death and counting his blessings

In 2013, O’Grady was rushed to hospital after being struck by angina – chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. It’s not usually life threatening, but it’s a warning sign that you could be at risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Earlier that year, he had shared his thoughts on his mortality. “I do count my blessings,” he said, according to The Mirror. “I have had two heart attacks, and if I get to 60 that will be amazing. I don’t fear anything nowadays.

“There has to be an angel out there. They are trying to steer me out of trouble 24 hours a day.”

[29 March 2023 15:01 · Roisin O'Connor]

Paul O'Grady rips into austerity policies in fiery 2010 post-Budget monologue

[29 March 2023 15:19 · Roisin O'Connor]

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has paid tribute to Paul O’Grady as a “devoted animal lover” and a “champion for the underdog” following his death.

The TV star had close ties to the organisation, which praised his “razor-sharp humour and perpetual generosity and warmth”.

O’Grady died unexpectedly on Tuesday at the age of 67, his partner Andre Portasio said.

The TV and radio presenter became an ambassador for Battersea in 2012, following the success of ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs, which was filmed at the home.

He presented the show for eleven series, during which time he laid bare his “passion for all things dog”, the charity said.

[29 March 2023 15:40 · Roisin O'Connor]

Dog treats among tributes left outside Paul O’Grady’s Kent farm

Dog treats and flowers have been laid in tribute to Paul O’Grady outside the gates to his farm in a quiet Kent village, as neighbours described him as “wonderful”.

Residents of the country road in Adlington spoke of the “real loss” they felt at the 67-year-old TV personality’s unexpected death.

More than a dozen members of the public arrived to lay bouquets of flowers, and even a large bag of Pointer bone-shaped treats, on a misty Wednesday morning before the tributes were taken inside.

[29 March 2023 16:00 · Roisin O'Connor]

'What Lily Savage’s legacy means for drag queens like me’

Lily was a strong-willed activist, who stood up for our community during the most difficult times, writes Drag Race UK star Tia Kofi:

[29 March 2023 16:20 · Roisin O'Connor]

Elton John and Russell T Davies remember Paul O’Grady as ‘ferocious in the fight against Aids’

Sir Elton John and It’s A Sin creator Russell T Davies have paid tribute to Paul O’Grady, remembering him as “ferocious in the fight against Aids” after his death aged 67.

The TV and radio presenter died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening, a statement shared with the PA news agency via a representative said.

Queer As Folk creator Davies said on Instagram: “The saddest news. What a star. What a lovely man.

“He was ferocious in the fight against AIDS; he made everyone love drag; he once asked me if he could be in Doctor Who. “I just want to wear a white coat and carry a clipboard and walk down a corridor saying ‘I think it’s alive, Doctor.’”

“When asked in 2021 if he despised anyone, he said: ‘Every single stinking member of this lying, self-serving government.’ There will never be anyone like him.”