British presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady has died. He was 67.
O’Grady’s death was confirmed to the BBC by his partner Andre Portasio, who said the popular TV host died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening.
O’Grady was known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage. A mainstay on British television, he was also the host of ITV’s “The Paul O’Grady Show” and Channel 5’s “Blind Date” reboot. A well-known animal lover, O’Grady presented ITV’s “For the Love of Dogs” and was a vocal supporter of the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Portasio said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening…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,” continued Portasio.
O’Grady began his career in entertainment mainly through his Lily Savage persona, which was popular in the 1980s and 1990s. He performed as Savage at various gay clubs and used the role to speak out for gay rights.
Under the Savage persona, he went on to host light entertainment shows such as “The Big Breakfast,” “Blankety Blank” and “Lily Live!”
O’Grady eventually began presenting shows as himself, hosting ITV travelogues and “The Paul O’Grady Show.” In 2017, Channel 5 made waves when it announced its reboot of “Blind Date” with O’Grady — a long-time friend of original host Cilla Black — tapped as host. He fronted the show until it concluded in 2019.
A compassionate animal campaigner, O’Grady also hosted “For the Love of Dogs,” which he has led since 2012. The show was set to return for its latest season on ITV in early 2023.
More to come.