Paul O'Grady said he "counted his blessings" after having two heart attacks years before his tragic death.
Today's edition of Good Morning Britain celebrated the Birkenhead icon's legacy after he died last night aged 67. His husband issued a statement to confirm the Lily Savage star died "unexpectedly but peacefully". His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Paul, who had previously suffered from two heart attacks, was rushed to hospital in 2013 after being struck by an angina - chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles.
READ MORE: Paul O'Grady dies aged 67: updates as tributes flood in for Lily Savage star
According to the NHS, angina is not usually life threatening, but it’s a warning sign that you could be at risk of a heart attack or stroke. He suffered a third heart attack in 2014.
The TV personality previously spoke out about his health in an interview with the Mirror. He said at the time: “I have had two heart attacks, and if I get to 60 that will be amazing. I don’t fear anything nowadays.
“There has to be an angel out there. They are trying to steer me out of trouble 24 hours a day.”
During today's edition of Good Morning Britain, Susanna Reid recalled an interview with Paul O'Grady when he opened up on suffering a heart attack. The programme's showbiz correspondent, Richard Arnold, branded Paul a "trailblazer".
He praised the TV legend's work ethic and said he was "such a grafter" despite being hit with "health issues. Richard said: "He was always down the tinsel mines chipping away at every opportunity."
Susanna echoed Richard's as she recalled an interview when Paul detailed his health battle. She said: "I remember he told us about those [health issues] when we interviewed him on the sofa about having a heart attack, cardiac arrest and leaving it before telling a doctor, almost like he didn't want to bother anybody about it."
The broadcaster also offered words of support as Paul's friend, Nigel Havers, shared a tribute. The actor said: "He was a very elegant man in every way." He added: "I'm going to really, really miss him."
Susanna Reid fronted today's Good Morning Britain and she leant towards Nigel to offer words of support after his emotional admission. She said: "I'm sorry for your loss, personally."
Susanna leant towards Nigel to offer words of support as she said: "I'm sorry for your loss, personally."
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