FAMILY, friends and fans of Paul O'Grady have paid tribute to the Birkenhead-born star on what would have been his 68th birthday.

The TV presenter and comedian died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday, March 28, leaving the Wirral community and the country shocked and saddened.

He first rose to prominence as his drag queen persona Lily Savage in the 1980s and 1990s before going on to host a string of television programmes.

During his 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.

Wirral Globe: Paul would've been 68 todayPaul would've been 68 today (Image: PA)

Wirral Council recently put forward a proposal to award Paul with Freedom of The Borough to recognise his years entertaining the nation, along with his dedicated activism and charity work.

Ever since Paul's death, his Instagram account has been run by one of Paul’s loved ones.

This morning (Wednesday, June 14), on what would have been Paul's 68th birthday, the account shared a tribute. It said: "Remembering our Paul.

"If today we were luck still to have him with us, he would certainly not be amused at turning 68.

"But we will celebrate his birthday with a drink or two. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL - thinking of you always."

Britain's Got Talent judge, Amanda Holden, commented on the post: "Thinking of him x"

Fans have also flooded the comments with birthday messages for the star.

One said: "Happy Heavenly birthday Paul, you are missed so much, but I hope you're dancing up there ♥️ xxx"

Another wrote: "Happy Birthday Paul In heaven we still cannot believe you have passed taken too soon from us."

Paul's husband, Andre Portasio, shared a touching tribute on Instagram too.

It read: "HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY. Myself and dogs miss you lots and we can only wish you were here with us. Love you always @paulogrady."

Wirral Globe: Paul and his husband AndrePaul and his husband Andre (Image: @andre_portasio, Instagram)

Wirral Council has also shared a statement: "Today would have been Paul O'Grady's 68th birthday. Born in Tranmere, Paul was one of Birkenhead's most famous and much-loved sons. We're thinking of all his family and friends."

Battersea Dogs and Cats, where Paul was an ambassador, helping raise the profile of Battersea to millions around the world through the hugely popular ITV series Paul O’Grady for the Love of Dogs said Paul will "always be remembered".

Liverpool presenter, Pete Price, said: "I still miss this amazingly talented warm human being and friend so much. Big hug to Andre his husband. There will never be another Paul Ogrady ever. Happy Heavenly Birthday x"