Coronation Street's Antony Cotton has issued a heartfelt tribute to Paul O'Grady.
The soap star, renowned for his role as Sean Tully on the Cobbles, is devastated after the TV legend died last night aged 67. Antony shared a close bond with Paul and has taken to Instagram to pay tribute to his legacy.
He shared a snap of the two alongside Liverpool writer, Jonathan Harvey, to laud the cultural impact Paul made with his iconic Lily Savage persona. He said: "It’s important (I’m bawling my eyes out doing this - like a lunatic Paul would say) to remember that Paul, and Lily, were trailblazers.
READ MORE: Paul O'Grady: Leave your tribute to the beloved comedian in the ECHO's online condolence book
"They fearlessly, and ferociously stood up for people who needed help, or a voice. I learned SO much from them both. Paul would rant and rave about injustice especially, and he did it often. He was always mesmerising when he did. I don’t think I’ve ever disagreed with anything he ever said. He was was one of those people where you would just say after he’d finished speaking - “yeah, what he said”.
"He was an educator as much as an entertainer. He had funny bones, we all know that, but he also had brain like an encyclopaedia. He seemed to know about every corner of the world, and everyone in it.
Antony also praised Paul's kind heart as he added: "He was the most generous man, thoughtful and bighearted. If he was your mate, you were gonna be okay.
"And now he’s gone. I could batter him for leaving us. I hope Buster has the kettle on… I’m going to miss him so much. He was one of my heroes. I owe him a lot x"
Antony's former co-star, Kym Marsh, sent a message of support as she said: "Sending you so much love"
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