A statement from his partner, Andre Portasio, said that O’Grady passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday 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,” the statement added.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
Photo: Stuart C. Wilson.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
O’Grady first rose to fame in the ‘90s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage, before taking over from Les Dawson as the host of Blankety Blank.
He went on to host other chat shows, before having his eponymous, BAFTA-winning chat show, The Paul O’Grady Show, which first aired in 2004.
As an example of his many entertainment talents, O’Grady had recently finished a run of shows playing Miss Hannigan in a production of the musical Annie, and was set to resume the role across shows in the UK and Ireland later this year.
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Tributes have been pouring in this morning, especially from fellow presenters and names of British television.
Amanda Holden, for instance, has written this morning: “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.”
