The producers of a show due to come to Bristol this year have issued a statement after the sudden passing of Paul O'Grady. The presenter and comedian, who rose to fame as his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening (March 28).
Paul had already begun his stint as Miss Hannigan on a UK tour of Annie The Musical this year, which was a role share with Craig Revel Horwood, Jodie Prenger and Elaine C Smith. He recently finished a week of shows for the musical in Edinburgh on Saturday, March 25.
He was scheduled to appear at theatres across the UK throughout the year including Bristol Hippodrome for a string of performances in November. The producers of the show have expressed their sadness and have said there will be an announcement on the musical "in due course".
Read more: Paul O'Grady on how he 'almost moved to Clifton' and his friendship with Camilla
In a statement, the producers of Annie The Musical said: "Everyone at Annie The Musical is stunned and saddened by the passing of Paul O’Grady. An incredible Miss Hannigan and an irreplaceable, hilarious and generous person who we will all miss immensely.
"Our thoughts are with Paul’s family and friends at this very sad time. There will be further news from Annie The Musical in due course."
Paul spoke with BristolLive in November last year to discuss his planned return to Bristol for Annie The Musical. He spoke warmly of his time in the city performing as Lily Savage and said he "almost moved to Clifton" after growing fond of the neighbourhood while staying near Clifton Suspension Bridge in previous years.
During his career, he hosted The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs. He also hosted the ITV celebrity game show, Paul O’Grady’s Saturday Night Line Up.
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