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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zara Woodcock

Paul O’Grady honoured in unexpected radio tribute he'd find 'very amusing'

Paul O'Grady's last-ever radio show will be rebroadcast on Easter Sunday to pay tribute to the late star.

The comedian died at the age of 67 "unexpectedly but peacefully" earlier this week, his husband announced.

Friends, fans, and celebrities have been paying tribute to the Lily Savage icon with heartfelt posts, pictures and throwbacks.

And now, a two-hour show, which first aired on Boom Radio on Christmas Day last year, will be aired in its entirety.

It will air on April 9 at 2pm - the same time he was supposed to return to radio.

After departing BBC Radio 2, Paul was set to host the radio programme alongside long-time friend Malcolm Prince.

He was set to host the radio programme with Malcolm Prince (PA)

Malcolm will be introducing the rebroadcasting of the show.

"Paul was really proud of the show and he’d find this festive repeat at Easter time very amusing,” Malcolm said.

"The sentiments in the show feel so right too – hope, wish, fulfilment, joy — even love."

Paul joined Boom Radio in December after leaving BBC Radio 2.

The comedian was known for presenting TV shows such as The Paul O’Grady Show, For the Love of Dogs, and Blankety Blank, which he hosted as his drag act, Lily Savage.

He hosted an extremely popular show on BBC Radio 2 for 14 years before he departed from the company in August, with the TV star leaving as he wasn't happy with sharing his slot with comedian Rob Beckett.

Paul joined Boom Radio in December (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Paul's husband announced his death on Tuesday (Instagram)

In August, Paul spoke about his departure on Instagram, saying: "So I want to say thank you very much for listening and for all your emails and all your messages and all the fun I've had over the years.

He went on: "And the reason I'm leaving because everybody's asked me this. It's because I wasn't really happy with the 13 weeks on/13 weeks off business.

"So, I did the honourable thing and I honoured my contract, gave my notice and now I'm off."

Confirming Paul's departure at the time, the BBC said: "We’re sad to say that after 14 years on Sunday afternoons, Paul O’Grady has decided to leave Radio 2. We wish Paul the very best of luck and hope to work with him again in the future."

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