Paul O'Grady has shared his heartbreak after the loss of a beloved pet while on tour with the musical Annie. The 67-year-old plays Miss Hannigan in the stage production, which also stars Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood, and returned home from a run of shows to find out the bad news.
The comedian, actor and presenter said one of his pet pigs, named Tom Tom, had been put down while he was away, after being diagnosed with a tumour. Fans rallied around the animal loving star after he shared a reel featuring the "cheeky" swine with his other pigs on his Instagram account, reported the MEN.
Alongside the clip, Paul wrote: "Got back from a week in Newcastle playing Miss Hannigan in Annie to find that Tom Tom, one of my pigs, had been put to sleep. I knew it was coming as he'd been diagnosed with a tumour but even so it’s awful when you lose a pet.
READ MORE: Paul O'Grady says illness 'wiped me out' and took months to recover
"He was the cheekiest of the gang and one of the other pigs who was obviously very fond of him is now depressed and gone into mourning. And there’s those who say that animals don’t have feelings."
Changing the subject, the host of ITV series For the Love of Dog added: "On a lighter note I’m thoroughly enjoying playing Hannigan again after so long, especially with a truly amazing and lovely cast. Next stop Edinburgh."
Before this current national tour, Paul last starred in Annie back in 1998, again playing Hannigan. He has previously said he is only part for the cast for six dates this time around due to other commitments.
Many of Paul's 738,000 followers commented on the post with condolences and messages of support. Susan Diamond commented: "Sorry to hear your sad news, losing a pet is like losing a member of your family."
She added: "On a brighter note, I came to see you in Newcastle. First visit to the theatre on my own since my husband died. I loved every minute and you were amazing. Thank you for putting a smile on my face."
Sarah Ingram wrote: "Sending all my love. Of course animals have feelings & whoever says they don’t needs their own heads examined! Think of all those elephants you’ve come across over the years. They stand in a protective ring! Big hugs dear Paul."
Jeff Watters posted: "Losing a pet is always a bitter blow. In fact, you CAN miss them more than some members of your family, I believe." TV presenter Gaby Roslin wrote: "Oh no. Paul I’m so so sorry. Sending you massive hugs and so much love my darling."
Linda Roberts added: "Hi Paul I’m so sorry to hear that animals are part of the family and they do have feelings. They miss each other if their close and it must have been a break for u take care and god bless."
Carol Peel shared: "Awe Paul , I'm really sorry to hear this. I've been missing your post . All our pets are sacred to us, I feel your pain. Sending much love to you and lots of hugs."
It comes after Paul recently spoke out about getting Covid-19 for the first time last year while filming the second series of Sally Lindsay’s The Madame Blanc Mysteries in Malta. He discussed the lasting impact the illness had on him.
He reportedly said: "I managed to escape coronavirus until last year and then I caught it. I didn’t half get it; I was really ill. I’d go out to feed the pigs and I’d have to sit down two or three times on my way there, wheezing."
Paul spent the summer recuperating at his Kent farm as he struggled to shake the illness. He added: "Thank God I’m over it now, but at one time I thought: ‘Is this ever going to go? Am I ever going to get my energy back and stop being tired?’ It wasn’t pleasant."
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