Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Lucy Domachowski

Paul O'Grady 'didn't listen' to medics' concerns about his health, friend claims

Paul O’Grady ’s friend has claimed the presenter and comedian "didn't listen" to concerns about his health before his death.

The telly star died “"unexpectedly but peacefully" last Tuesday, aged 67.

Prior to Paul’s tragic death, the much-loved TV star had previously suffered a number of health issues including several heart attacks and a serious battle with Covid.

Following on from his husband Andre Portasio's tragic announcement about Paul's death, the late comedian's dear friend Christopher Biggins has opened up about their four-decade-long friendship and given an insight into his health concerns.

According to his close friend Christopher, Paul was “like a teenager as far as his health was concerned - he didn’t listen”.

Biggins claims Paul acted like a 'teenager' when it came to his health issues (Ray Tang/REX Shutterstock)

Speaking to The Sun, Christopher recalled a time from around 15 years ago, when he and Paul were staying with their pal Cilla Black in Spain.

According to the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star, at the time Paul “had his heart problems already' and had been warned by doctors not to drink or smoke.

However, these health rules and regulations felt like a 'stupid thing' to tell the Lily Savage star, who acted like a 'teenager' when it came to his health issues.

"About 15 years ago we were staying with Cilla in Spain,” Biggins told the publication.

"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.

Christopher Biggins, Cilla Black and Paul O'Grady in 2013 (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

"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."

Despite claiming to feel it in his bones that Paul was still smoking against doctors wishes when he died last week, Christopher said he believes wholeheartedly that husband Andre 'saved' Paul in many ways.

"He married a gorgeous man and I think that is what saved him from descending into life as a rogue," the star gushed.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.