Paul O’Grady remembered as ‘a force for good’ by famous friends

Paul O’Grady is remembered as a ‘force for good’ by famous friends such as: carol borderman, Julian Clary and Michael Cashman.

Celebrities paid tribute to the drag queen who became a TV and radio star after her death last month at the age of 67 on For The Love Of Paul O’Grady, which aired on ITV1 on Sunday night.

Recalling O’Grady’s work, TV personality Vorderman, 62, said:

former Labor Party leader Ed Miliband “He wasn’t just a fighter for the underdog, he was someone who was willing to use his platform to speak up for those who didn’t have a platform and didn’t have a voice, but he was perfectly able to do it, far more convincingly than any politician.”

Meanwhile Cashman, a 72-year-old actor, politician and LGBT rights activist, commented on a clip of O’Grady talking about Conservative politicians on television, stating: He may have aired, but nothing could separate him from his principles. “

O’Grady, who began his career as a social worker playing the platinum-wigged Lily Savage in a London nightclub, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on March 28, he said. partner Andre Portacio said in a statement.

The Love Of Paul O’Grady also saw those who knew O’Grady remember his compassion for animals…in the kitchen eating leftover birthday cake.”

Throughout his career, O’Grady was well known for his love of animals, providing extensive on-screen and off-screen support to the South London animal rescue center Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Elsewhere in the special, actress Linda Thorson told viewers about O’Grady’s unique experience with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

“I know the Queen was very comfortable,” said the 75-year-old woman.

“And he was having tea with her. The reason the Queen liked talking to Paul was because very few people knew how to talk to her. Paul could talk to anyone.” We could talk.”

Cashman said “The Queen loved him. And of course they just talked about animals and farming and she loved his sense of humor.”

chat show host Jonathan Rossactress Sally Lindsay and TV host Gaby Roslin also appeared to share memories of O’Grady during the show.

Roslin, 58, who rose to fame co-hosting The Big Breakfast, which also starred O’Grady’s drag persona Lily Savage, commented:

Following O’Grady’s clip interviewing Lady Gaga, Simon Cowell, Cilla Black and more, Coronation Street star Lindsay, 49, said: treated the same. everyone. “

Friends from O’Grady’s hometown of Birkenhead and staff from the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home also made appearances.

As the program drew to a close, a message appeared on the screen from former professional ballet dancer Portacio, whom O’Grady married in 2017, reading: He took the time to express his condolences.

“The family is overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness and generosity.”