GLOBE readers have posted messages of condolence following the death of Paul Grady.

A statement shared with the PA news agency via a representative said the Birkenhead-born TV presenter and comedian died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening.

During his TV 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 was also host of the ITV celebrity game show, Paul O’Grady’s Saturday Night Line Up.

Readers took to our Facebook page to express their sadness. There were also tributes from Wirral MPs.

Jane Gold: "I miss you Paul, you were on the funniest nicest guys, you could ever meet"

Kevin James: "Great guy met him back in the early 1980s as Lily. So funny. You'll be missed."

Kieran Rose commented: "I'd like to think every dog he's ever loved but lost will be waiting for him beyond the gates to show just how much we where proud of our own and how much they loved him.

"RIP Paul, You were not just one of us from The Wirral, You shared your love to animals and set a big example for us going forward."

 

 

Vicky Siddorn wrote: "A truly wonderful entertainer, dog lover and supporter of Battersea and Street Vets. He was the first drag queen I adored. RIP Paul, now go and greet all those wagging tails that love you." 

Tracey Ryan put: "Bless him xx Have us some laughs xx Thankyou Paul x"

Betty Riverol wrote: "Such a shock to wake up to this very sad news. I lived in Rock Ferry and he lived Holt Hill in Lower Tranmere which wasn't far away. His humour was amazing. Will be so sadly missed. Xxx"

Wirral Globe: Paul O'Grady has died aged 67Paul O'Grady has died aged 67 (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Martina Roberts wrote: "Very sad news this morning. Too many people are dying unexpectedly lately. 67 is no age for such a vibrant man.

"Rest in eternal peace Paul O’Grady." 

Christine Shone wrote: "Heartbreaking news, such a lovely man." 

Julie McLean commented: "Awww no way….this is so heartbreaking, he was such a lovely man, R.I.P. Paul."

 

 

Kelly New: "Brilliant man feel gutted for him husband and family RIP xx"

Carole McGinty: "A great loss - such a wonderful man. RIP Paul." 

Carrie Thompson wrote: "Thanks for the laughs."

Jeanette Burns: "Heartbreaking news."  

Margaret Freeman: "How very sad. Condolences to his husband, friends and family."

Jacqueline Acock wrote: "RIP Paul . A fabulous man and entertainer." 

 

 

Pauline Hurst wrote: "So very sad rip Paul you will be sadly missed.  was looking forward to seeing him again in Annie."

Stuart Kelly wrote: "RIP Paul. Very sad." 

Keith Eccles put: "So sad. RIP lad, you will be missed."

John Bradbury commented: "RIP Paul. Class one entertainer."

Driftwood Cafe wrote: "A lovely caring funny man, very sad to hear this news x"

During his TV career, Paul 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 was also host of the ITV celebrity game show, Paul O’Grady’s Saturday Night Line Up.

O’Grady took over the reins from Blind Date’s long-running presenter and his close friend Cilla Black, who died in 2015, as he hosted the Channel 5 reboot of the show in 2017.

He was known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage.

He wrote his debut children’s book, Eddie Albert And The Amazing Animal Gang, during the coronavirus lockdown and it was published in September 2021.

In August of 2022, he presented his final BBC Radio 2 show having hosted the Sunday afternoon programme for nearly 14 years.

Paul O’Grady was born in Birkenhead. His mother’s maiden name was Savage which is believed to have inspired his famous drag alter ego.

He began his career performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s whilst working as a peripatetic care officer for Camden Council, going on to tour northern England as part of drag duo the Playgirls.

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 was made an MBE in the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to entertainment and attended the ceremony with his daughter Sharyn Mousley.

News of Paul's passing was confirmed by his partner Andre Portasio.

He 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.”