Legendary comedian and TV star Paul O'Grady has died "unexpectedly but peacefully" aged 67, following years of health battles.
Tributes have poured in for the star, who 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 was known for his love of animals, and raised a lot of money and awareness about those in need, whilst also adopting a number of animals himself.
Paul, who's cause of death has not been revealed, has been open about a number of health issues he has suffered over the years, including heart attacks, kidney failure and a Covid scare.
The star, who shot to fame as drag queen Lily Savage on Blankety Blank, suffered heart attacks in 2002, 2006 and 2014.
He previously told The Sun: “My cardiologist says I have the constitution of an ox.
"Three days after my last heart attack, I was back fire-eating with McFly.
“The heart is a muscle so you have two choices: Sit on the sofa and count your tablets all day, or get on with it and get moving — swimming and walking, gentle exercise.”
He was hospitalised for issues with his kidneys during a trip to India in 2017 as he filmed his animal show, For The Love Of Dogs, where he was treated with antibiotic and saline treatments.
Paul also suffered after catching Covid in 2020, when he was filming for the second series of Sally Lindsay’s The Madame Blanc Mysteries in Malta, which forced him to take two months off work.
Speaking to the Express, Paul said: "It wiped me out, I was shocked at how bad I was.
"I [took] a good two months getting over it. My breath had gone.
“All I did was sleep. I’d wake up, go downstairs and sit on the couch and then pass out for another four hours."
Paul's death was announced by his heartbroken husband Andre Portasio, who said in a 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.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
Just two weeks before his death, Paul took to Instagram to lament the loss of one of his pet pigs, who was put to sleep after vets discovered a tumour.
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