Stars from the world of showbiz have paid tribute to presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady, describing him as "one of the best".
The TV star, who hosted The Paul O'Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV's multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening at the age of 67.
Scores of moving tributes have now been paid to the broadcaster. Peter Laurie, chief executive of the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an organisation for which Paul was an ambassador, said: "Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centres. Paul will always be associated with Battersea and we are truly saddened to have lost such a true friend and huge part of our charity."
Read More: TV star Paul O’Grady passes away 'unexpectedly but peacefully' at the age of 67
ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly described him as "a really special man" in an online tribute. She said: "Such sad news. Paul O'Grady - funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise. Will be sorely missed. A really special man."
Vernon Kay said Paul was "always a joy to be around" and described the presenter as "one of the best". He wrote: "Paul O'Grady was one of the nicest and kindest people I've ever met.
"Always a joy to be around and obviously, so much fun. He will be missed. Telly and friends have lost one of the best....RIP."
Actor John Barrowman said he was "shocked and sad" to hear the news of O'Grady's death. Sharing two pictures of the TV star on Twitter he wrote: "I am totally shocked and sad to hear the awful news that Paul O'Grady has died.
"An awesome talent stretching decades. From watching him as Lily Savage at the Vauxhall Tavern to sitting with him laughing backstage at West End Bares to being a guest on his @ITV Paul O'Grady show..."
Carol Vorderman said on Twitter: "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?"
Meanwhile, South Shields star Joe McElderry commented: "I was stood in Paul O’Grady’s dressing room @TheatreRoyalNew less than 3 weeks ago! He was full of life chatting and being so wonderful as always! so so sad! And such a loss! A true showbiz entertainer! May he rest in peace."
And TV host Piers Morgan said: "RIP Paul O'Grady, 67. A wonderfully warm, mischievous, hilarious guy with a sublime natural talent for broadcasting and making people laugh."
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