Paul O'Grady's friend claims that the late comedian and presenter "didn't listen" to doctors concerns about his health before he died last week. The TV star, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday, March 28, aged 67.
The Mirror reports that prior to his death, Paul had previously suffered a number of serious health issues, including several heart attacks and a battle with Covid.
His dear friend, Christopher Biggins, has opened up about their four-decade-long friendship and spoken about his health concerns. Christopher described Paul “like a teenager as far as his health was concerned - he didn’t listen.”
Read more: TV star Paul O’Grady passes away 'unexpectedly but peacefully' at the age of 67
While speaking to The Sun, Christopher shared about the time he and Paul were staying with their friend, Cilla Black, in Spain around 15 years ago. He claims that, at that time, Paul was warned by doctors not to drink or smoke.
Christopher said: "About 15 years ago we were staying with Cilla in Spain. Paul had his heart problems already and had been told not to smoke or indulge in alcohol too much. She told me to go upstairs and tell him to stop.
"I felt like the matron from the Carry On films when I went into his bedroom and said: ‘Paul, you’re smoking.’ He looked at me and said: ‘No I’m not.'
"I know for a fact he was still smoking last week. What a wonderful way to go — peacefully in your sleep."
He claimed that he believed that Paul was still smoking against doctors wishes when he died, however, Christopher said that Paul's husband, Andre Portasio, "saved" him. He added: "He married a gorgeous man and I think that is what saved him from descending into life as a rogue."
Read next:
- What are the symptoms of motor neurone disease as Coronation Street’s Paul Foreman MND diagnosis is revealed
- Family mourns much-loved A48 crash victim Rafel Jeanne at his funeral in Cardiff
- Woman stabbed to death with fork
- Woman died from brain injury after slipping on hike with family
- Young woman with cold and flu symptoms dies within weeks
