Coronation Street star Jodie Prenger has shared her own special tribute to Paul O'Grady following his 'unexpected' death this week. Tributes were pouring in for the comedian and TV star after his partner revealed he died, aged 67, on Tuesday evening (March 28).
Andre Portasio confirmed in a statement that O'Grady, who rose to fame on the nightclub circuit as the acerbic, platinum wig-wearing Lily Savage, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" in a statement issued in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Mr Portasio said: "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 added: "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."
Among those paying tribute was actress Jodie, who is currently starring in Corrie as Glenda Shuttleworth after years of wowing audiences on stage. "I just don’t want this to be true," she wrote beneath a picture of Paul posted to her Instagram account. "The world needs to be filled with Pauls.
"Imagine the laughter, imagine all the animals that would find their forever homes. Imagine that you have a dear friend that personifies such supporting love and gloriously sharpe comical repartee? Him and the beautiful Malcolm Prince have allowed me to experience that first hand."
She added: "I’ll never be able to thank you enough and bloody hell I’ll miss you Paul. Give Buster a treat from me. Thinking of all his family and friends." But that wasn't Jodie's only tribute as she revealed to fans that she had just welcomed a new member to her family.
An animal lover like Paul, Jodie revealed last year that she has three rescue cows, three rescue ducks, three cats and three dogs.. She also said: "I also have about 17 rescue chickens including my cockerel, Harry." She added to the Manchester Evening News and other press at the time: "I'd love more animals so if anyone knows of a one-eyed goat or three-legged-pig, I'm just putting that out there…"
And while not a pig, she has added a new pet pooch to her growing brood of pets. Sharing a picture, the soap startold her followers that she had adopted a rescue dog over the weekend and that after a call to the rescue centre, she's decided to rename the dog in honour of Paul.
"Well Paul, this is for you kidda," she said alongside an adorable picture of her new four-legged friend. "We picked up this little angel on Sunday. I’ve spoken to the amazing charity @silverfoxdogrescue and we will be renaming her Lily. May Paul’s dedication to loving and rehoming animals live on forever."
And fans were rushing to comment. @heathersmith22_ said: "Aww lovely thing to do Jodie." @annamdizza commented: "She looks like a Lily." @chloehuntnails wrote: "Gorgeous little girl, I think he’d be honoured." @rebecca_dewick replied: "What a lovely thing to do! The name Lily suits her. Paul would love it!"
@wendyannep shared: "What a lovely thing to do Jodie.. well done." @matt_s_787 replied: "@msjodieprenger Lily is a perfect name and so poignant for Paul, as his naughty but hilarious Alta ego!!" @prettyniceperson added: "OMG you've made me cry. Such a beautiful tribute. Lily is astounding. So sorry for your loss and the loss of our whole nation. We all adored @paulogrady How was such a big heart ever going to withstand so much."
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