PAUL O’Grady spoke of his heartache at losing one of his beloved pets just days before he died at age 67.
The Lilly Savage and Radio 2 star passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully” yesterday evening.
Paul‘s cause of death is yet to be confirmed, but he had struggled with his health in recent years.
The shock loss has left fans and fellow celebs around the world heartbroken.
And just two weeks ago Paul told how he was grieving – after the loss of one of his beloved pet pigs.
Along with a video of the hog, animal lover Paul wrote: “Got back from a week in Newcastle playing Miss Hannigan in Annie to find that Tom Tom, one of my pigs had been put to sleep.
“I knew it was coming as he’d been diagnosed with a tumour but even so it’s awful when you lose a pet.
“He was the cheekiest of the gang and one of the other pigs who was obviously very fond of him is now depressed and gone into mourning and there’s those who say that animals don’t have feelings.
“On a lighter note I’m thoroughly enjoying playing Hannigan again after so long especially with a truly amazing and lovely cast. Next stop Edinburgh.”
Last night, Paul’s husband Andre 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.”
Paul had been touring around the country in Annie, playing character Ms Hannigan right up until his death.
He had been booked to play the part for another week in Liverpool in June.
Born on June 14, 1955 in Birkenhead, before he hit the big time, TV star Paul performed as Lily Savage in the 80s.
He started off working the drag circuit with his act across pubs and clubs, and as he grew popular he eventually toured the country.
From 1989 to 1992, Paul performed annually as Lily at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, gaining increasing recognition for his act.
Paul followed this with a show titled Lily Savage Live from the Hackney Empire, which proved to be a sell-out.
Once he had gained national success, Paul was then asked to bring his act to mainstream TV.
He made guest appearances on TV programmes like The Bill and Brookside.
But it was when he took over from the late Paula Yates on The Big Breakfast from 1995 to 96 that he really hit the big time.
However he packed it in after one year saying that the early mornings “didn’t agree” with him.
As Lily he also hosted a reboot of hit BBC quiz show Blankety Blank.
Paul and Cilla Black were firm friends right up until she died back in 2015.
He even delivered the eulogy at Cilla’s funeral.
