Paul O'Grady 'died in his own bed' with his husband by his side, one of his close friends told Good Morning Britain. Avengers star Linda Thorson appeared on the ITV news programme on Thursday (March 30) to pay tribute to the comedian and TV star following his 'unexpected' death, 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."
Tributes have since been pouring in for the much-loved entertainer and Linda has now shared how she spoke to O'Grady just a few hours before he died. The 75-year-old was the latest star to share her own memories of O’Grady, who she met while he was a presenter on the iconic show The Big Breakfast.
She told how there was a "mutual admiration" between the pair and opened up on spending numerous Christmas' with Lily Savage star Paul and added: "He lived each day as if it was his last. And yesterday was his last."
Recalling their last conversation, Linda said: "Paul rung me on Tuesday at 3pm and we spoke for an hour. It was one of the best conversations we have ever had," before sharing how O'Grady was "absolutely over the moon" about his latest role as Miss Hannigan in the stage musical, Annie.
"I can’t believe it. Just to hang up the phone and hours later for someone to die who was so happy. Full of life," Linda told Susanna Reid and Adil Ray. "But he died in his own bed. His husband was there, Andre, who he’s been with for so many years. The most divine man.
"He’s only 41, Andre. He will be so bereft. He worshipped Paul. He gave a speech at Paul’s 60th birthday. And Cilla [Black] was there Barabara Windsor. They’re gone. They’ll all be partying in heaven you know. And the Queen."
But Susanna did have to issue an apology during Linda's appearance on the show as not long before her appearance Secretary Of State for Energy Grant Shapps appeared via video link on the programme and it led the Valentino star to let slip some foul language.
""He was a magical person but he started his life caring for people. He can't stand what goes on. This b******d we've just had to listen to. He could not stand this party and what they've done."," she said before Susanna quickly stepped in and said: "Apologies for that use of language."
But GMB viewers were quick to praise Linda for her tribute. @JulietMckee tweeted: "Linda Thorson just gave a very real & passionate tribute to her close friend Paul O’Grady. What a wonderful kind man he was. He seemed to give so much to others. #GMB." @meeniew shared: "Don't usually watch #GMB but it was on accidentally this morning. So glad it was otherwise I wouldn't have heard the wonderful @Thor1847 calling out @grantshapps and Tory "b******t" on live TV in her wonderful tribute to #PaulOGradyRIP."
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