Presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 67.
He died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening, his husband Andre Portasio said in a statement.
"It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening," Mr Portasio said.
"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."
© InstagramA huge number of famous friends have taken to social media to share their heartbreak. Amanda Holden shared a picture of the pair and wrote: "Woken up to this sad, sad news. I loved Paul. He was brilliantly opinionated, searingly sharp and very funny… I love our conversations… I can't quite believe it. Thoughts with Andre and their family."
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Piers Morgan shared a beaming photo of the beloved TV star alongside the words: "RIP Paul O'Grady, 67. A wonderfully warm, mischievous, hilarious guy with a sublime natural talent for broadcasting and making people laugh."
Sex and the City star Kim Cattrall simply said, "Our hearts are broken. RIP Paul" and Kym Marsh wrote: "So very very sad to hear the news of the passing of Paul O'Grady. An absolute legend of a man! I'm so honoured to have known and worked with him. Rest easy Paul."
© Getty ImagesAccording to Malcolm Prince, the producer of Paul's radio show, the star. spent his last day laughing and surrounded by his "beloved dogs".
Sharing an emotional statement on Twitter, he wrote "I'm heartbroken. 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 so proud of 'Annie', so happy to be back on Boom Radio, and he was looking forward to so many new projects.
© Getty Images"And now he's gone. 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'Il miss him."
Carol Vorderman wrote on Twitter: "Paul O'Grady. Already giving them raucous, ripping up the rulebook, mischief-making, calling it out, loving hell in heaven. Paul, what are we meant to do without you?" alongside a broken heart emoji.
© Joe MaherVernon Kay added: "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."
Gaby Roslin shared: "Unbelievably sad news to wake up to. Paul you really were a one off. There will never be anyone quote like Paul. Goodness me we laughed together so much. Our chats lasted for hours and he’ll be up there now nattering away and keeping everyone laughing.
"This lovely photo of him and Buster makes me smile and I know he’ll want us all to smile when we think of him and celebrate his life. My love and deepest sympathies to Andre and to Sharon and the family. He was brave and clever and naughty and a dear friend. Sleep tight Savage darling I adored you #rippaulogrady."
© Getty ImagesPaul rose to fame in the 1990s with his iconic scouse drag queen persona Lily Savage, going on to present game show Blankety Blank and other light entertainment programmes.
Later in his career, he went on to host a number of chat shows, and also brought his love of dogs to the screen - something that brought him close to the Quen Consort.
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