The country's favourite animal lover Paul O’Grady has died peacefully at his home at the age of 67.
The TV presenter and comedian, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening.
His partner Andre Portasio: “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.
"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion. I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
Read more: Pauls' friend, Camilla Queen Consort helped him support Battersea
During his career, he hosted as well as ITV ’s multi-award-winning The Love Of Dogs, The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank.
A spokesperson for Battersea, said: "We’re deeply saddened to learn that our wonderful, kind friend and beloved Ambassador Paul O’Grady MBE has passed away. He will be so dearly missed by all of us at Battersea. Our love and thoughts go out to all of Paul's family and friends at this difficult time.
Paul took over the reins from Blind Date’s long-running presenter and his close friend Cilla Black, who died in 2015, as he hosted the Channel 5 reboot of the show in 2017.
Last year he was joined by the Queen Consort in a special one-off episode of For The Love Of Dogs to mark 160 years of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an organisation for which he was an ambassador.
In August of 2022 he presented his final BBC Radio 2 show having hosted the Sunday afternoon programme for nearly 14 years.
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