The BBC broadcast Lily Savage’s Blankety Blank in homage to the late Paul O’Grady, prompting an outpouring of affection.
O’Grady, a pioneering TV presenter and drag act, died on Tuesday at the age of 67, his spouse Andre Portasio said, ‘unexpectedly but calmly.’
From Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs to his famous slot on BBC Radio 2, the national asset was a fixture on both TV and radio.
O’Grady retired from Radio 2 last year, and the BBC paid homage by airing a classic edition of Blankety Blank, presented by Lily Savage.
Lily merrily ribbed famous guests such as Sir Ian McKellen and Davina McCall in the classic show.
The gesture was well received by admirers of the late actor, with watchers flocking to Twitter during the now-sad show.
‘What a lovely touch by the BBC to show a classic episode of Blankety Blank as a mark of respect to the late Paul O’Grady,’ one fan wrote.
‘Tears of laughter have momentarily replaced the tears of loss,’ another wrote in a sweet tribute.
Another lauded Lily and Paul’s sense of comedy, writing that the reason the star was “so loved” was because “the humour was risqué – but never cruel, and he always ever punched upwards, as all good comedians should.”
Another said it was a ‘lovely reflection of what a natural performer Paul O’Grady was,’ and another said it was’making me melancholy but also very pleased to see how much of a comic talent Lily Savage was and how much we will miss Paul.’
Following O’Grady’s passing, watching Lily wittily trade strikes with celebs and guests proved too much for some, with one watcher confessing they were ‘brought to tears’ while watching the special show.
‘RIP Paul, you will be hugely missed by so many. Sincere condolences to all Paul’s/Lily’s loved ones,’ they added.
‘I much value you all taking the time to reach out,’ wrote O’Grady’s spouse Portasio this week in response to the public’s outpouring of support following O’Grady’s sudden passing.
‘I’m so very touched and I’m sure Paul would be too!’
He added: ‘In time I hope to write to everyone individually and thank you for all posts, messages, phone calls, emails, cards and flowers of support.’
Portasio had initially announced O’Grady’s death with a statement in te early hours of Wednesday morning, saying ‘with great sadness’ that his husband had ‘passed away unexpectedly but peacefully.’
He added in a statement: ‘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.’
