Paul O’Grady’s cause of death confirmed as a cardiac arrest after star’s death aged 67
04/15/2023Paul O’Grady’s cause of death was sudden cardiac arrhythmia, his death certificate states.
The broadcasting legend, who presented programmes including The Paul O’Grady Show, Blankety Blank and For The Love Of Dogs,died "unexpectedly but peacefully" at the age of 67.
His death certificate has confirmed how Paul died, listing sudden cardiac arrhythmia – which was linked to heart disease – as the cause.
Sudden cardiac arrhythmia is when someone dies unexpectedly after going into cardiac arrest. It affects around 500 people a year in the UK.
News of Paul's death left friends and fans devastated, with celebritieslining up to pay tribute to the beloved star, who was also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage.
ITV presenterLorraine Kelly wrote on Twitter: "Such sad news. Paul O'Grady – funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise. Will be sorely missed. A really special man."
Financial guruMartin Lewis said: "Quite shocked and saddened to wake up to the news of Paul O'Grady passing. A funny man, with incredibly quick wit, who made millions laugh."
Paul died in his own bed with his partner Andre Portasio at his side.
The Avengers star Linda Thorson, who was a close friend of Paul, paid tribute to him while revealing the circumstances of his death when she appeared onGood Morning Britain.
The actress, also known for being on the ITV soapEmmerdale, said Paul was“so happy” and “full of life” when she spoke to him hours before his death.
She added: “It must be one of the best conversations we’ve ever had.”
Linda went on to say: “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’s only 41, Andre. He will be so bereft. He worshipped Paul. He gave a speech at Paul’s 60th birthday.”
Andre announced Paul’s death in a statement released last month.
He said: “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.”
Paul began his career performing on the nightclub circuit as the acerbic, platinum wig-wearing Lily Savage in the 1970s. At the time, he was also working as a peripatetic care officer for Camden Council in London.
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern – where he had a solo residency in London before rising to fame – held a minute’s raucous applause in tribute to the late star after his death.
Paul went on to perform as his drag character on The Big Breakfast from 1995 to 1996, taking over from Paula Yates as the on-the-bed interviewer. That lead to his own shows on ITV and Channel 4.
Last year,Queen Consort Camilla featured on ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs, to mark 160 years of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an organisation for which he was an ambassador.
Astatement on the Royal Family Twitter page, released after Paul’s death, read: "Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul O’Grady, who worked closely with Her Majesty in support of @Battersea_, providing lots of laughter and many waggy-tailed memories."
They also posted a heartwarming snap of the Queen Consort and Paul standing in some woodland with a small white dog at their feet.
ITV has confirmed the upcoming 11th series of For The Love Of Dogs will still launch on April 13 as planned.
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