Tributes have poured in for TV star and comedian Paul O'Grady following the news of his death aged 67.
The presenter died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' on Tuesday night, his partner Andre Portasio said. In a statement, Mr Portasio said: "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." O'Grady was known fondly for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, as well as for hosting The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date, Blankety Blank and ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs.
READ MORE: Paul O'Grady passes away 'unexpectedly but peacefully' at 67
He also hosted ITV celebrity game show, Paul O’Grady’s Saturday Night Line Up. 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.
O’Grady’s love for animals was well-known, and he had lived in a farmhouse in Kent with Portasio along with a menagerie of animals including four dogs, goats, sheep, chickens and barn owls.
This morning, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home paid tribute to O’Grady as a 'devoted animal lover' and a 'champion for the underdog'. The organisation praised his 'razor-sharp humour and perpetual generosity and warmth'.
In a statement shared with the PA news agency, Battersea 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.
He continued: "Paul had an extremely hands-on approach as a Battersea Ambassador and has been fundamental in helping our charity to communicate important campaign messages. He was a champion for the underdog and would do anything to ensure all animals live a healthy and happy life. He will be dearly missed."
Carol Vorderman lamented the loss of O’Grady on Twitter. "Paul O’Grady. Already giving them raucous, ripping up the rulebook, mischief making, calling it out, loving hell in heaven," she wrote.
"Paul, what are we meant to do without you?"
ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly described O’Grady as 'a really special man' in an online tribute. "Such sad news. Paul O’Grady – funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise," she said.
"Will be sorely missed. A really special man."
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis tweeted his sadness at Mr 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."
Vernon Kay said Paul O’Grady was “always a joy to be around” and described the presenter as “one of the best” in an online tribute.
“Paul O’Grady was one of the nicest and kindest people I’ve ever met,” he tweeted.
“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.”
Actor John Barrowman posted two pictures of the TV star on Twitter, adding: “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…”
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