Fans mourn as TV star and comedian Paul O'Grady passes away at 67

Paul O'Grady, a beloved and highly respected TV star, has passed away at the age of 67, leaving a deep sense of sadness in the entertainment industry. O'Grady, who was widely known for his drag queen alter ego Lily Savage, was described as a significant figure in British culture for his contribution to drag. He was also known for his immense love for animals and his generous nature.

According to a statement from his husband Andre Portasio, Paul O'Grady passed away on Tuesday evening "unexpectedly but peacefully. O'Grady's passing has left a void in the entertainment industry that will be difficult to fill, as he was a true icon and a beloved figure. 

"It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening," Mr Portasio said.

"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."

Paul O'Grady rose to fame in the early 2000s, winning the hearts of audiences with his humor and love for animals. He hosted numerous TV shows during his career, including The Paul O'Grady Show, which debuted in 2004. In addition, he took over hosting duties for the revival of Blind Date in 2017 after the death of his close friend Cilla Black, and also presented shows like Blankety Blank and For The Love Of Dogs.

The cause of O'Grady's death is not yet clear, but he had previously talked about surviving multiple heart attacks in 2002, 2006, and 2014, as well as experiencing kidney failure. He also suffered from a severe case of COVID-19, which left him unable to work for two months.