Paul O’Grady’s friend Linda Thorson choked up in an interview earlier today (Thursday 30 March) as she spoke about his final moments, saying she ‘can’t believe’ he has died.
O'Grady's death was confirmed yesterday (Wednesday 29 March) by husband Andre Portasio, who said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
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"I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
His friend Linda Thorson, who is best known for playing Tara King in The Avengers, has said he liked to 'live every day like it was his last', having spoken about his peaceful final moments at home.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, she explained: "Paul rang me on Tuesday at 3 o’clock and we spoke for an hour.
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"It must be one of the best conversations we have ever had.
"He’d just come back from performing a new production of Annie in Newcastle and Edinburgh, he was heading down to Southampton in a few weeks and he’d heard from producers they were going to bring it into town at Christmas time.
"And he was absolutely over the moon. He loved the cast, got along with everybody... He was just so upbeat. All these plans."
She added: “He just lived every day of his life as if it was his last.”
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Tearing up, Thorson said O’Grady was a ‘king amongst men’, and that she’d never met anyone like him.
When presenter Adil Ray said it must be a ‘tragic loss’ for her, she went on: “Well, I can’t believe it.
"Just to hang up the phone and hours later for someone to die, who was so happy, full of life."
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She then continued to share the star’s final moments, saying: “But he died in his own bed.
"His husband was there, Andre, who he’s been with for so many years.
"The most divine man, he is only 41 – he will be so bereft of Paul, he worshipped Paul.
"He gave a speech at Paul's 60th birthday. And Cilla was there and Barbara Windsor, they're gone.
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"They'll all be partying in heaven you know. And the Queen."
Topics: Celebrity, Good Morning Britain
Jess Hardiman