Paul O'Grady died "unexpectedly but peacefully" aged 67 as his celebrity pals pay tribute to the late star.
The iconic broadcaster passed away on Tuesday evening, as his husband Andre Portasio said in his statement: “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."
He added: “I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
Paul's celebrity pals flooded social media on Wednesday to pay tribute to the late broadcaster, as Lorraine Kelly described him as the 'kindest and funniest man'.
Taking to Instagram, the Scots broadcaster wrote: "Paul O Grady. The kindest, funniest man - warm, witty and wise. Dogs are the best judge of character and they LOVED him. #rip #love."
Scots Doctor Who actor John Barrowman said: "I am totally shocked and sad to hear the awful news that Paul O'Grady has died. An awesome talent stretching decades. From watching him as Lily Savage at the Vauxhall Tavern to sitting with him laughing backstage at West End Bares to being a guest on his @itv Paul O'Grady show..."
Carol Vorderman tweeted: "Paul O'Grady. Already giving them raucous, ripping up the rulebook, mischief making, calling it out, loving hell in heaven. Paul, what are we meant to do without you?"
The former Countdown presenter paid another touching tribute to the late Lily Savage icon, saying he "exploded through the daft, made-up rules of society”.
Carol told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “When you were with Paul, and even when you watched him on screen … he was one of those people who just made your blood feel like you were alive.
“There was every part of you that was alive, and you never knew what was going to happen.”
Carol said Paul had no fear, adding: “He’d be calling out the TV execs way before (Gary) Lineker, when it wasn’t popular. You had to love him for that, he didn’t care – he’d go into the fight, and he’d go into the fight for the good.”
Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden penned a sweet tribute: "Woken up to this sad, sad news. I loved Paul. He was brilliantly opinionated, searingly sharp and very funny.. I loved our conversations ..I can’t quite believe it. Thoughts with Andre and their family.."
Denise Van Outen added: "@paulogrady you will be missed by so many. I remember when I first started on the big breakfast and you gave me advice starting my new job on the show. “Just give em filth” you said. So funny! Kind, hilarious and so generous. Thinking of your husband, family and friends at this incredibly sad time. RIP Paul."
Radio presenter Vernon Kay has described Paul O'Grady as "always a joy to be around".
In a tribute on Twitter, Vernon said: “Paul O’Grady was one of the nicest and kindest people I’ve ever met. Always a joy to be around and obviously, so much fun. He will be missed. Telly and friends have lost one of the best….RIP.”
Former GMB host Piers Morgan tweeted: "RIP Paul O'Grady, 67. A wonderfully warm, mischievous, hilarious guy with a sublime natural talent for broadcasting and making people laugh."
Susanna Reid added on Good Morning Britain: "He was so funny and so compassionate and so loving".
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis tweeted his sadness at O'Grady's death, saying: "Quite shocked and saddened to wake up to the news of Paul O'Grady passing. A funny man, with incredibly quick wit, who made millions laugh."
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies penned: "The saddest news. What a star. What a lovely man. He was ferocious in the fight against AIDS; he made everyone love drag; he once asked me if he could be in Doctor Who, “I just want to wear a white coat and carry a clipboard and walk down a corridor saying ‘I think it’s alive, Doctor.’” When asked in 2021 if he despised anyone, he said, “Every single stinking member of this lying, self-serving government.” There will never be anyone like him."
Lorna Clarke, director of music at the BBC said the corporation was “shocked and saddened” by Paul O’Grady’s death after he recently left BBC Radio 2.
She added: “He was a much-loved presenter to the Radio 2 audience, and his unique sense of humour, charm and warmth touched the hearts of many. Paul will be hugely missed and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”
Paul was an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, last year joining Queen Camilla in a special one-off episode of For the Love of Dogs, to mark 160 years of the charity. The charity paid tribute to Paul as a “devoted animal lover” and a “champion for the underdog”.
The organisation’s chief executive, Peter Laurie, said: “Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centres. Paul will always be associated with Battersea and we are truly saddened to have lost such a true friend and huge part of our charity.”
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