Susan Boyle has spoken of her final encounter with her ‘wonderful friend’ Paul O’Grady, who died at the age of 67.
The Lily Savage and Blind Date star died ‘unexpectedly but quietly’ on Tuesday, according to his spouse, Andre Portasio.
Tributes have already flooded in for the For the Love of Dogs broadcaster, notably from Lorraine Kelly, while the royal family has stated they are ‘deeply saddened’ by his loss.
The 61-year-old Britain’s Got Talent judge is the latest celebrity to recall O’Grady, posting on Instagram that she saw the TV great and comic in Edinburgh last week.
She wrote: ‘Paul, you were one in a million, kind, funny, and a great friend.
‘When I saw you last week in Edinburgh, never would I have thought this was goodbye.
‘Sending love to Andre & your family. I will miss you.’
Along with the tribute, the Scottish singer had posted a current photo of herself with O’Grady, as well as one from some years ago.
Other celebrities who have expressed warm recollections of O’Grady include Alan Carr, 46, who shared a hilarious tale about the star.
Alan wrote: ‘I’ve been no use to anyone today. Loved Paul, who didn’t? A true one off. Having dinner with Paul O’Grady was the closest any of us would get to having dinner with Dorothy Parker or Truman Capote – he would have you literally in hysterics regaling these showbiz anecdotes and quips from Marlene Dietrich to Cilla Black to The Royals to the Disappointer Sisters – it seemed like he knew everyone.’
Alan added: ‘He will be missed SO much, my friend asked him recently “do you think you’ll go to heaven Paul?” Quick as a whip he replied “I hope not, I won’t know anyone”. You legend.’
Andre confirmed this week: ‘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.
‘I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.’
Source My Celebrity Life.