Paul O’Grady fans’ emotional tributes to late star as he appears as Lily Savage in Blankety Blank
Paul O’Grady fans shared some heartfelt words in tribute to the late star when he appeared as his rowdy, cross-dressing alter ego, Lily Savage, in a throwback episode of Blankety Blank on BBC One on Saturday.
It comes after the legendary TV host died “unexpectedly and peacefully” on Tuesday night.
Paul, who became a BME for Entertainment Services in 2008, began acting as Lily Savage in the 1970s and later launched The Lily Savage Show on the BBC in 1997.
She then revived Blankety Blank, hosting as Lily until 2002.
This weekend, the classic game show was shown, in which contestants filled in missing words in sentences, with the help of celebrity guests, and viewers flocked to Twitter to pay tribute to Paul.
Tribute Episode: Paul O’Grady fans shared some heartfelt words in tribute to the late star when he appeared as his rowdy drag alter ego Lily Savage in Blankety Blank on Saturday (pictured in 2005)
Sad news: It comes after the legendary TV host died ‘unexpectedly and peacefully’ on Tuesday night (pictured in 2013)
While someone else shared: ‘A reminder on the BBC right now of how good Paul O’Grady was as Lily Savage in #BlanketyBlank. She brought the show to life and made us all laugh. We have lost a real gem in Paul.
Another person posted: ‘Watching Paul O’Grady tearing it up in #LilySavage #BlanketyBlank. Tears of laughter have momentarily replaced tears of loss. Absolute strength, there will never be better. Thanks for the golden Paul x.
“Watching BBC 1’s tribute to Paul O’Grady and WOW,” another viewer wrote. ‘#LilySavage had an amazing pair of legs… Full respect to Paul for wearing heels! He always wore cool miniskirts too! Condolences to his partner, family and many friends. Way too soon, but what an inspiring life well lived.
Another audience member tweeted: “Lovely to have @BBCOne televise Lily Savage’s classic Blankety Blank honoring the life and legacy of Paul O’Grady, a trailblazer and icon of the drag community.”
Someone else shared: ‘Fair play to the BBC for showing an old Blanky Blank with the caption being Paul O’Grady. I was a big fan of Lily Savage, back in the day, but an even bigger fan of the man later on. As a dog lover and owner of Staffy, what he did was amazing. I will miss him RIP’.
While another person wrote: ‘Looking at the classic blank blanket with lily savage and it takes me back a lot to my childhood. But it reminds me of the sad truth that Paul O’Grady has passed away.
Another Paul O’Grady fan posted: ‘Lily Savage giving an absolute lesson in hosting a game show on BBC1. So natural and effortless. And those legs… #BlanketyBlank #RIPPaulOGrady.’
While someone else tweeted: “After this week’s sad news of the passing of Paul O’Grady, lovely to have a laugh along with Lily Savage on #BlanketyBlank @BBCOne.”
Alter ego: Paul, who became BME for Entertainment Services in 2008, began acting as Lily Savage in the 1970s (pictured by Blankety Blank in 2005)
‘Watching an old episode of Paul O’Grady as Lily Savage in Blankety Blank. It really was a fun class act! #PaulOGrady #RIP #PaulOGradyRIP #RipPaulOGrady #LilySavage #BlanketyBlank #LilySavagesBlanketyBlank @BBCOne,” another person posted.
And someone else wrote: ‘I haven’t stopped laughing at #BlanketyBlank. Lily Savage was pure class!! #PaulOGradyRIP.’
Paul died “unexpectedly and peacefully” on Tuesday of this week, according to his partner Andre Portasio.
He said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul passed away unexpectedly but peacefully last night.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals, and all those who enjoyed his humor, wit, and compassion.”
I know he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.
His long-time radio producer, Malcolm Prince, had visited Paul, who had recently toured as Miss Hannigan in the stage musical Annie, at his home in the early afternoon.
He tweeted: “I was so proud of Annie, so happy to be back at Boom Radio, and looking forward to so many new projects.”
RIP: This weekend, the classic game show was shown, in which contestants filled in the missing words in sentences, with the help of celebrity guests, and viewers paid tribute.
And now it’s gone. I can’t believe it. We have lost a unique talent, and I have lost a dear friend.
Paul started acting as Lily Savage in the 1970s and later launched The Lily Savage Show on the BBC in 1997.
He revived Blankety Blank until 2002 and then presented a number of chat shows, including ITV’s teatime show The Paul O’Grady Show from 2004 to 2005, then moving to Channel 4.
In 2017, she replaced Cilla Black in Channel 5’s reboot of Blind Date, while over the years she also fronted for ITV’s For The Love of Dogs, which was linked to her role as ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
He recently left BBC Radio 2 after 14 years, noting at the time that he was unhappy with sharing his Sunday afternoon slot.
He was set to join Boom Radio for Easter Sunday in less than two weeks.
It comes as bosses at the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home said they were “overwhelmed and shocked” following a surge in public donations after Paul’s death.
Chief Executive Paul Laurie told the Mirror they had been inundated with letters and messages of support.
The house was featured on Paul’s television show Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs and a “tribute fund” was set up after his death.
It had hit £90,000 on Friday and only hours later hit the whopping six-figure mark.
The eleventh and final series of the show will air posthumously in April, and Paul told the paper: “We will be looking to find a suitable way to remember the profound impact Paul had on Battersea and the animal rescue sector, something that will support the animals that Paul loved so much, and that would make him proud.’