There has been an almighty outpouring of love towards as the BBC aired Lily Savage’s Blankety Blank in tribute to the late star.
Trailblazing TV presenter and drag performer O’Grady , with his husband Andre Portasio saying he did so ‘unexpectedly but peacefully.’
The national treasure was a regular on both TV and radio, from Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs to his popular slot on BBC Radio 2.
O’Grady left Radio 2 last year, and the BBC have paid tribute by hosted by Lily Savage.
In the classic episode, Lily cheerfully ribbed celebrity guest stars including the likes of Sir Ian McKellen and Davina McCall.
The gesture has gone down well with fans of the late star, with viewers flocking to Twitter during the now-bittersweet episode.
‘What a lovely touch by the BBC to show a classic episode of Blankety Blank as a mark of respect to the late Paul O’Grady,’ one fan wrote.
‘Tears of laughter have momentarily replaced the tears of loss,’ another wrote in a sweet tribute.
Another heaped praise on Lily and Paul’s sense of humour, writing they believe the star was ‘so loved is that the humour was risqué – but never cruel, and he always ever punched upwards, as all good comedians should.’
Yet another viewer agreed it was ‘a lovely reminder what a natural entertainer Paul O’Grady was,’ with another saying the episode was ‘making me sad but also very happy to see how much of a comedic genius Lily Savage was and how much we will miss Paul.’
For some, watching Lily wittily exchange blows with celebrities and guests proved too much following O’Grady’s death, with one viewer admitting they were ‘brought to tears’ watching the special episode.
‘RIP Paul, you will be hugely missed by so many. Sincere condolences to all Paul’s/Lily’s loved ones,’ they added.
O’Grady’s husband Portasio this week thanked the public for their outpouring of support following O’Grady’s sudden death, writing: ‘I much appreciate you all taking the time to reach out.
‘I’m so very touched and I’m sure Paul would be too!’
He added: ‘In time I hope to write to everyone individually and thank you for all posts, messages, phone calls, emails, cards and flowers of support.’
Portasio had initially announced O’Grady’s death with a statement in te early hours of Wednesday morning, saying ‘with great sadness’ that his husband had ‘passed away unexpectedly but peacefully.’
He added in a statement: ‘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.’
