Carol Vorderman has led the tributes to the late Paul O'Grady. The Radio 2 legend died unexpectedly last night (March 28) at the age of 67.
The cause of his death is yet to be confirmed. Paul's partner said in a 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.”
READ MORE: Paul O'Grady's heartbreaking loss in final social media post
Carol Vorderman, who lives in Clifton, appeared on BBC Radio 4 this morning (March 29) to pay tribute to Paul. The 62-year-old said he "made your blood feel like you were alive".
She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “When you were with Paul, and even when you watched him on screen … he was one of those people who just made your blood feel like you were alive. There was every part of you that was alive, and you never knew what was going to happen.”
She added: “He’d be calling out the TV execs way before (Gary) Lineker, when it wasn’t popular. You had to love him for that, he didn’t care – he’d go into the fight, and he’d go into the fight for the good.”
Carol Vorderman also tweeted: "Paul O'Grady. Already giving them raucous, ripping up the rulebook, mischief making, calling it out, loving hell in heaven. Paul, what are we meant to do without you?"
Paul was best-known for hosting The Paul O'Grady Show, Blankety Blank and ITV's For The Love Of Dogs. He took over as host of the rebooted version of Blind Date on Channel 5 in 2017.
Last August, he made his final appearance on BBC Radio 2 last August as he presented the Sunday afternoon programme. He had spent nearly 14 years on the radio.
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