Laughing to the end

Tributes to comic with warm heart, sparkling wit and a love of animals

- TOM BRYANT

TELLY star Paul O'Grady spent his final day laughing and joking, pal Malcolm Prince said yesterday.

Tributes from celebs to royalty poured in after the Lily Savage star passed away "peacefully" on Tuesday night aged 67.

Radio producer Malcolm said Paul was doing what he did best right up until the end as he had him in stitches just hours before passing away.

Malcolm added that the animal-loving comedian was "surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing, smiling and full of life" when he popped over to his Kent farmhouse on Tuesday.

Later that night Paul died suddenly, his husband Andre Portasio revealed.

Malcolm said: "I can't believe it. We have lost a unique talent, and I've 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'll miss him." The producer, who worked with Paul at both BBC Radio 2 and Boom Radio, also told how he was planning for the future during his visit.

He had been playing Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie, and was "so proud" of the role.

Malcolm added: "He was looking forward to so many new projects. And now he's gone."

Andre, who married Paul in 2017, posted: "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 he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years." Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell told how Andre had texted him at 2.30am yesterday to break the news of Paul's death.