The British Soap Awards paid a touching tribute to former presenter Paul O’Grady on Tuesday after his tragic death at the age of 67.
The presenter and longtime Corrie fan was among a slew of soap stars honored during the In Memorian segment.
The tribute included a clip of Paul hosting the Soap Awards in 2004 and 2005, earning huge cheers when he arrived on stage, before praising serial dramas for the comfort and escape they provide viewers.
It was labeled “beautiful” by soap fans, with some admitting they were moved to tears by the tribute.
One tweeted, “Still can’t watch Paul O’Grady footage without bursting into tears,” while another added, “Nice addition adding the fantastic Paul O’Grady.”
Lovely: The British Soap Awards paid a touching tribute to former presenter Paul O’Grady at Tuesday’s ceremony following his tragic death at the age of 67
Sweet: The presenter and longtime Corrie fan was one of many soap stars honored during the In Memorian segment
A third tweeted, “Paul O’Grady…still so sad I can’t believe he’s gone,” with another posting: “Aww the tribute to Paul O’Grady, still can’t believe that he’s gone.’
In March, Paul’s partner Andre Portasio shared that he had passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully.”
He said, “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul passed away unexpectedly but peacefully last night.
“We ask, at this difficult time, that as you celebrate his life, you also respect our privacy as we process this loss.
He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all who enjoyed his wit, wit and compassion.
“I know he would like me to thank you for all the love you’ve shown him over the years.”
The couple married in 2017 in a low-key wedding ceremony.
Paul’s cause of death was later confirmed as sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
Stellar: The tribute included a clip of Paul hosting the Soap Awards in 2004 and 2005, which drew huge cheers when he arrived on stage
Delightful: Many viewers admitted they were moved to tears by the touching tribute
During Paul’s career he has presented The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV’s multi-award winning For The Love Of Dogs. He also hosted the ITV celebrity game show, Paul O’Grady’s Saturday Night Line Up.
At the British Soap Awards, a slew of famous faces collected gongs for their work, with EastEnders winning the coveted Best Soap award, while Charlotte Jordan triumphed in Best Dramatic Performance for playing Daisy Midgeley in Coronation Street.
The soap won Villain of the Year for Aaron Thiara, who plays Ravi Gulati, and Best Young Performer, which went to Lillia Turner as Lily Slater.
Coronation Street took home the most accolades of the night, with six awards including Best Single Episode and Scene of the Year for Justin Rutherford’s (Andrew Still) depiction of an acid attack, who portrayed Daisy Midgeley (Charlotte Jordan) in the show. had stalked. ).
Charlotte won Best Dramatic Performance, while Dame Maureen Lipman, who plays Evelyn Plummer, won Best Comedy Performer and Channique Sterling-Brown won Best Newcomer for her performance as Dee-Dee Bailey.
The Weatherfield-based soap also took home the Best Family award, which went to the Platts.
Sad: In March, Paul’s partner Andre Portasio shared that he had passed away ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’, with his cause of death later confirmed as sudden cardiac arrhythmia
Hollyoaks was awarded Best Storyline for a plot in which Nikki Sanderson’s character Maxine Minniver was targeted by incel Eric Foster (Angus Castle-Doughty) along with her brother Mason Chen-Williams (Frank Kauer).
The soap’s head of casting was awarded the Tony Warren Award.
Emmerdale’s Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon Dingle, was presented with an Outstanding Achievement award and told the audience, ‘What a job, I loved every minute of it.’
Doctors actors Chris Walker and Jan Pearson took home the Best On-screen Partnership gong for their performances as Rob and Karen Hollins on the daytime soap.