According to Christopher Biggins, his close buddy Paul O’Grady was still smoking the week he passed.
The national treasure died ‘unexpectedly but quietly’ on March 28 at the age of 67, according to his spouse Andrew Portasio.
Biggins, 74, also stated that O’Grady passed ‘peacefully,’ and recalled their previous vacations with the late Cilla Black.
‘I know he was still smoking last week,’ I said. ‘What a lovely way to go — sleeping calmly,’ Biggins said over the weekend.
Biggins also remembered a vacation he and O’Grady took ‘about 15 years ago’ in Spain with Black, who passed in 2015 at the age of 72.
Because of pre-existing cardiac issues, O’Grady was advised not to ‘drink or smoke too much,’ according to Biggins.
But, according to Biggins, that didn’t deter the celebrity from smoking a cigarette or two in his chamber.
Biggins told The Sun that he went to check on O’Grady after Black said she smelt smoke, and despite the fact that O’Grady’s room was filled with smoke, he vehemently denied having smoked.
‘I went into his bedroom and said, “Paul, you’re smoking”. He looked at me and said, “No I’m not”.
‘I said to him, “You must think we’re idiots, the room’s full of smoke”. In minutes we were both lying on the floor laughing hysterically.’
Addressing his husband’s death last week, Portasio said in a statement: ‘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.’
Tributes from the showbiz world came in swiftly, with Carol Vorderman and Lorraine Kelly among the first to offer their regards, while the royal family also expressed their sympathies.