British TV presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady, best known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, has died at 67, his partner has confirmed.
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The star died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening, a statement shared with the PA news agency via a representative said.
His partner Andre Portasio said in his statement: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday 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.
"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."
O'Grady and Portasio were married during a low-key wedding ceremony in 2017.
During his career, he hosted The Paul O'Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV's multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs.
He also hosted ITV celebrity game show, Paul O'Grady's Saturday Night Line Up.
In August 2022 he presented his final BBC Radio 2 show having hosted the Sunday afternoon program for nearly 14 years.
O'Grady's mother's maiden name was Savage, which is believed to have inspired his famous drag alter ego.
O'Grady's career as Savage took off with TV and radio appearances in character and he was eventually asked to take over from Paula Yates as The Big Breakfast presenter as Savage from 1995 to 1996.
He took on chat show The Lily Savage Show for the BBC for a short run in 1997 and later that year had success as the host of a revived version of game show Blankety Blank, which ran until 2002.
Throughout his career O'Grady won numerous accolades including a TV BAFTA, a British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award for The Paul O'Grady Show.
He was made an MBE in the 2008 Queen's Birthday Honours for services to entertainment.
Australian Associated Press
