BBC Radio 2 has been criticised for its treatment of Paul O' Grady, after sharing a tribute to the much loved broadcaster, who died at the age of 67 on Tuesday.
Paul hosted an extremely popular show on the station for 14 years prior to his departure from the BBC in August, with the TV star leaving as he wasn't happy with sharing his slot with comedian Rob Beckett.
Now the BBC has come under fire from Paul's fans after posting a black and white photo of the Blankety Blank host, and writing on Twitter : "We're incredibly saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Paul O'Grady.
"Paul was a brilliant broadcaster and incredible comedian. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We’ll miss you Paul. [orange love heart emoji]."
One listener responded: "Crocodile tears from a station who treated him abominably. His Sunday night audience loved him, so what did you do, in the name of "progress"? Cut his broadcast time and make it impossible for him to stay."
Another said: "You didn't think he was 'brilliant' when you messed him around and contributed to him leaving the station, just like you did with a few others. RIP Paul."
A third penned: "And you treated him shabbily!!! I was so looking forward to hearing him on Boom Radio. 5.00-7.00 on Sundays will never be the same."
One wrote: "Struggle with this tribute as he should never have been forced out of radio 2 in the way he was . His show was brilliant . Paul O’Grady was a true star and his passing is as big a shock to me as the loss of Wogan . May he rest in peace ."
Next month the Lily Savage icon and his long-time producer Malcolm were set to start new jobs at Boom Radio, with a regular Sunday slot.
In August, Paul spoke about his departure on Instagram, saying: "So I want to say thank you very much for listening and for all your emails and all your messages and all the fun I've had over the years.
He went on: "And the reason I'm leaving because everybody's asked me this. It's because I wasn't really happy with the 13 weeks on/13 weeks off business.
"So, I did the honourable thing and I honoured my contract, gave my notice and now I'm off."
Confirming Paul's departure at the time, the BBC said: "We’re sad to say that after 14 years on Sunday afternoons, Paul O’Grady has decided to leave Radio 2. We wish Paul the very best of luck and hope to work with him again in the future."
The BBC has announced a special collection of Paul's most memorable radio moments is now available to listen to online, with a special broadcast scheduled for Sunday night.
Paul's husband Andre Portasio announced the star's 'unexpected but peaceful death', with tributes from Paul's famous friends and fans flooding in throughout the day.
The Mirror has contacted BBC for comment.
