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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Lucy Domachowski & Kieran Isgin

Paul O'Grady ignored medics' concerns about his health, friend claims

Paul O'Grady reportedly 'didn't listen' to medics' concerns over his health prior to his death, a friend claimed.

The British TV icon tragically passed away "unexpectedly but peacefully" last Tuesday at the age of 67. He was known to have suffered a series of health issues in the years leading up to his death, including several heart attacks and a serious Covid infection.

Christopher Biggins, a close friend of Paul's, has now opened up about their forty year long friendship and has discussed the telly star's health concerns. Christopher highlighted that Paul was "like a teenager as far as his health was concerned - he didn't listen", the Mirror reports.

Read more: Paul O'Grady spoke of his 'joy' in one of final interviews before death with his new ITV series to air

Speaking to The Sun, Christopher spoke of when he and Paul were staying with their friend Cilla Black in Spain 15 years ago. At the time, Paul "had his heart problems already" and was warned by doctors not to drink or smoke.

He added: "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.

Christopher Biggins (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

"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."

However, Christopher also highlighted the importance of Paul's relationship with husband Andre, going as far to say that he 'saved' him in many ways. "He married a gorgeous man and I think that is what saved him from descending into life as a rogue," he added.

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