Radio and TV star Paul O’Grady has died at the age of 67

Paul O’Grady passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday evening aged 67.

In a statement, his partner Andre Portasio said: “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.”

The Comedian, radio and TV presenter recently left BBC Radio 2 after 14 years following reports he wasn’t happy with his show.

Lorna Clarke, Director of Music, BBC said: “We are all shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Paul O’Grady. He was a much loved presenter to the Radio 2 audience, and his unique sense of humour, charm and warmth touched the hearts of many. Paul will be hugely missed and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”

Zoe Ball paid tribute to Paul on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show earlier with tributes continuing across the day on the station.

A collection of Paul’s broadcasts will be available on BBC Sounds.

More recently, Paul presented on Boom Radio and was due to host another show on the station on Easter Day.

Phil Riley, co-founder of Boom Radio said: “There are few broadcasters who attract the love Paul did. The response to his last show was enormous – listeners felt he’d popped around to their house over lunch. That was his gift. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Paul’s long-term producer wrote on Twitter: “I’m devasted. Yesterday afternoon I popped around to Paul’s for a good-old catch-up.

“Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing, smiling and full of life.

“He was proud of ‘Annie”, so happy to be back on Boom Radio and he was looking forward to so many new projects.

“And now he has gone. I can’t believe it. We have lost a unique talent – and I have lost a dear friend.

“We were all lucky to have Paul in our lives. My heart goes out to Andre, Paul’s family and friends.

“Oh how I will miss him.”

Our last picture together

Farewell Paul, I’ll miss you my friend xxx #PaulOGradyRIP pic.twitter.com/W26IveWLxE

— Malcolm Prince (@malprin) March 29, 2023

We are so sad to bring you the news that Paul O'Grady has died. He was 67. His death was announced by his partner Andre Portasio. Our thoughts are with Andre, his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/Io5fuRZZTZ

— BoomRadioUK (@BoomRadioUK) March 29, 2023

Paul O’Grady was one of the nicest and kindest people I’ve ever met. 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❤️

— Vernon Kay (@vernonkay) March 29, 2023

Paul O’Grady was in the trenches fighting for our community during the HIV & AIDS epidemic, she took drag mainstream, she made our mums howl with laughter and normalised gay people on TV by being utterly vile. I can’t imagine a world without her. A truly brave and hilarious man x pic.twitter.com/Zf5ABmg9J7

— James Barr (@imjamesbarr) March 29, 2023

Oh no, such sad news to wake up to that the magnificent Paul O’Grady has died at the age of 67. What a warm-hearted, hugely talented and funny man he was. Plus a dog-lover of course, with his brilliant show @RealPOGDogs supporting @Battersea_. Such a loss & gone too young 😔 pic.twitter.com/N8ckS1ZRsc

— Charlotte Hawkins (@CharlotteHawkns) March 29, 2023

RIP Paul O'Grady, 67.
A wonderfully warm, mischievous, hilarious guy with a sublime natural talent for broadcasting and making people laugh. pic.twitter.com/afX9cTJQ45

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 29, 2023

Such shocking sad news about Paul O’Grady. A unique and brilliant broadcaster who brightened the nation.

— Ken Bruce (@RealKenBruce) March 29, 2023

We're incredibly saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Paul O'Grady.
Paul was a brilliant broadcaster and incredible comedian.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We’ll miss you Paul. 🧡 pic.twitter.com/Prw0ipMfG7

— BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) March 29, 2023

Cannot comprehend that Paul O’Grady is no longer with us. Too many stories, too many memories, too many laughs to begin to calculate the loss. An original and mold breaking, gifted, generous, beautiful man. God bless kid 💔

— Michael Ball OBE (@mrmichaelball) March 29, 2023

rest well dear Paul

sending love & thoughts to your chap, your family and your friend producer Malcolm

forever in our hearts gorgeous, funny, super smart and generous man

grateful for your love, support & friendship back on The Big Breakfast

give ‘em hell up there darling ♥️ pic.twitter.com/vwmr5x75Ka

— Zoe Ball (@ZoeTheBall) March 29, 2023

So sorry to hear that Paul O’Grady has passed away. I met him several times @BBCRadio2 and he was a very warm and friendly man. R.I.P

— Tony Blackburn (@tonyblackburn) March 29, 2023