Paul O’Grady had reportedly been in talks to turn his Eddie Albert children’s novels into a movie.
The beloved comedian passed away at the age of 67 ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ on March 28, with his death announced by his husband Andre Portasio, 42.
He had published the first part of the series, The Amsterdam Adventure, in 2021 before following it up with The Curse of the Smugglers’ Treasure in 2022.
A source told The mirror: The books were a passion project and a fun adventure for him. He was genuinely touched by the reaction to Eddie.”
They proceeded to claim a movie or TV series would have been “icing on the cake” for Paul, who should have written a third book as part of a trilogy.
‘It would have been the icing on the cake’: Paul O’Grady was reportedly in talks to turn his children’s books into a movie before his tragic death at age 67
The TV legend once admitted that it was necessary he no less than 60 drafts to finish his colorful debut novel, that centered on ten-year-old Eddie, a somewhat hapless and wayward outsider.
He can talk to animals, including his dog Butch, his hamster and his two goldfish who claim to have been pirates once.
MailOnline has contacted The Estate Of Paul O’Grady, MBE for comment.
The late Paul is about to move his grieving fans to tears as he says an emotional goodbye to a dog named Peggy after helping to nurse her back to health.
Presenter Paul will be seen telling Newfoundlander Peggy there’s “no room at the inn,” admitting he was desperate to adopt her while filming an episode of Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs last year .
The TV star had already given a home to Chihuahua-Jack Russell crossbreed Eddie, Shih Tzu Boycie, Maltese Conchita, mongrels Arfur and Nancy, and a Dachshund named Sausage, from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, where the series is filmed.
But Paul was desperate to take Peggy home after a three and a half hour operation at the Royal Veterinary College to repair her back legs.
According to the Mirrorthe episode, which will be shown posthumously, will show Paul working with a team of experts to give Peggy eight weeks of physical therapy, hydrotherapy and walks using a harness prior to her reassignment.
Icon: The beloved comedian passed away at the age of 67 ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ on March 28, with his death announced by his husband Andre Portasio, 42 (pictured in 2019)
Paul said to Peggy, “Oh dear, I wish I was ready for you, Peggy, but I’m afraid I can’t this time, there’s just no room at the inn.”
‘Peggy it was a real privilege to meet you, it’s not every day you get to meet a special dog like you. You are very beautiful. It was nice knowing you, take it easy, Peggy.’
When Paul left her, Peggy started whining, with the star telling her, “Don’t start, Peggy please.” I’m going to look for a job with the railways. It’s too hard to say goodbye.’
Paul was delighted when he later learned that Peggy had been rehomed to a loving family.
It comes after a petition to honor Paul with a statue in his home town of Birkenhead passed 100,000 signatures.
The Change.org petition was started five days ago by Kieran Gabriel, a graphic designer from the city, with the aim of paying tribute to the comedian and TV presenter.
The petition had more than 130,000 signatures on Friday night and continued to climb toward the 150,000 goal.
Addressed to Wirral Council, it says the town must ‘certainly take stock of the huge outpouring of love’ following his death. It added: ‘Liverpool have Cilla, Birkenhead deserve Paul.’
Emotional: The late Paul is about to move his grieving fans to tears as he emotionally says goodbye to a dog named Peggy (pictured) after helping nurse her back to health
Kieran wrote, “Paul has left a huge legacy with his pioneering work as a drag performer, social and political causes, LGBT rights and, of course, his love of animals.”
Some signatories suggested that the statue should show Paul surrounded by dogs in recognition of his support for animal welfare charities.
Paul was born in Birkenhead, on the Wirral, Merseyside, in June 1955.
He was awarded an MBE in the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honors for services to entertainment.