Paul O’Grady has died less than a week after he announced he would be joining Boom Radio to host a show on Easter Sunday.
The late TV presenter, 67, – also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage – died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ on Tuesday evening, a statement shared with the PA news agency via a representative said.
His partner Andre Portasio revealed in a heart breaking message: ‘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’.
The sad news came days after he revealed he would be adding his famous moniker to the list of presenters at Boom Radio ahead of their Easter Sunday programming.
O’Grady walked out of BBC Radio 2 in August after he confirmed he was ‘unhappy’ at the time.
He had first been introduced to the ways of Boom last year when he hosted a festive special and hinted at joining them for a more permanent slot following his BBC exit.
The star told MailOnline of his involvement with the station: ‘It’s great to be working with the team at Boom again. It already feels like my new radio home.
‘My producer Malcolm and I are looking forward to our special TeamPOG show on Easter Sunday – who knows, this could be the start of a regular gig.’
O’Grady previously spoke to Metro.co.uk about his decision to leave the national broadcaster: ‘They’re trying to aim for a much younger audience, which doesn’t make sense because you’ve got Radio 1. Radio 2 was always for an older audience.’
He hosted his last Radio 2 slot in August of last year having been the voice of the station’s Sunday afternoon programme for nearly 14 years.
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